That means no federal assistance for communities hit hard by flooding in May.
Annapolis, Md (KM) The Federal Emergency Management Agency has denied Maryland’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration following the May, 2025 flooding in the western part of the state. Governor Wes Moore says he was notified about that decision late Wednesday night. For western Maryland communities which experienced devastating flooding, there are no additional appeals for federal disaster assistance, according to a statement from the Governor’s Office.
“This outcome is not just deeply frustrating, it also ignores the devastation wrought by historic floods in Appalachia and leaves Marylanders on their own,” says Governor Moore, in a statement. “FEMA has the responsibility to weigh the merits of each emergency request objectively. Instead, President Trump and his Administration have politicized disaster relief, and our communities are the ones who will pay the price. While we disagree with both this process and outcome, our resolve is unbroken, We will continue to support Marylanders recovering from these storms, even if Washington won’t.”
FEMA says western Maryland suffered $33.7 million in damage which is three times the state’s qualifying threshold for assistance. Federal assistance is only available through a Major Disaster Declaration issue by the President.;
A disaster declaration issued by the President would have made Garrett and Allegany Counties eligible for federal funding to repair critical infrastructure such as roads, bridges and water and sewer systems.
The Governor’s Office, in its statement, the says a disaster declaration would also have granted Maryland access to the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program which helps states and communities with projects to reduce risk and prevent future disasters.
“The decision from FEMA is a profound disappointment for the resilient people of Westernport, who have faced unimaginable challenges in the wake of the May floods,” says Judy Hamilton. Mayor of Westernport, in a statement. “While the news is a setback, our community’s spirit remains unbroken. We are incredibly grateful for Governor Moore and the State of Maryland’s unwavering advocacy and support, which has been a beacon of hope during these trying times.”
“We are incredibly disappointed in this decision. Our application for FEMA assistance met–and in many areas exceeded–every requirement for federal aid. Allegany County is a small, rural community, and this denial leaves us feeling forgotten by the federal government,” says Dave Caporale, President of the Allegany County Commissioners, in a statement. “The loss of these critical funds will have a significant impact on our ability to repair damaged infrastructure and will ultimately affect the daily lives of our residents. We’ve worked tirelessly to make life financially manageable for the people of Allegany County , and this decision makes that job even harder. We are very disappointed in the process and the outcome.”
Russell Strickland, Secretary of the Maryland Department of Emergency Management, says in a statement: “our hearts are with the families and communities still recovering from this devastating flood. We will continue to support the impacted communities, pursuing all possible assistance, and offering whatever resources we can.”
By Kevin McManus