ANNAPOLIS, MD — Governor Wes Moore announced that the State of Maryland will award Allegany County Government $459,375 in financial assistance through the Maryland State Disaster Recovery Fund. The first-ever, state-led recovery and relief funding will support disaster survivors, following extensive flooding on May 13.
“In Maryland, we live mission-first, people always. These funds will help Marylanders get back on their feet in the wake of historic flooding,” said Gov. Moore. “Our administration has taken a comprehensive approach to our recovery efforts – and we will continue to support our people, uplift our communities, and help Western Maryland bounce back. I encourage all affected Marylanders to learn if they're eligible for additional resources and supports.”
The Maryland Department of Emergency Management worked closely with Allegany County emergency management officials to provide the funding for those impacted by the flooding. Based on data collected through damage assessments showing recovery needs were beyond the county’s means, Allegany County made the request for assistance from the State Disaster Recovery Fund.
The State Disaster Recovery Fund is a form of state-assisted financing given to county and municipal jurisdictions within Maryland for the purpose of providing essential assistance to individuals, households, businesses, and local governments affected by disasters. Local governments may request State Disaster Recovery Fund supplementation for essential individual and household needs such as housing, repairs, and personal property replacement. The Maryland Department of Emergency Management administers the fund.
“Recovery is a whole community effort,” said Maryland Department of Emergency Management Secretary Russell Strickland. “Being the first of its kind in Maryland, the State Disaster Recovery Fund is providing critical support to the residents of Allegany County. Financial assistance availability at crucial times like this is what strengthens our state’s resilience and allows our communities to recover."
A stationary low-pressure system in the Ohio River Valley produced excessive amounts of rainfall between May 12 and May 14, causing Georges Creek to reach a near-record level of 12.41 feet, overflowing into several towns in Allegany County. Rising waters forced evacuations in both Garrett and Allegany. The town of Westernport experienced significant impacts.
Floodwaters caused significant damage to more than 200 homes and businesses. The funding awarded would provide financial assistance to impacted local residents.
“We are deeply grateful for the unwavering support provided by the State of Maryland throughout every phase of our disaster recovery efforts,” said Allegany County Commission President David J. Caporale.“The comprehensive assistance—from multiple state departments—has been extraordinary, and this monetary award through the new Disaster Recovery Program is both timely and impactful. As the first recipients of this program, we recognize the significance of this moment, and we are committed to putting these resources to immediate use to help our neighbors and communities rebuild stronger than before.”
The Maryland Department of Emergency Management is the lead coordinating agency for disaster response and recovery in Maryland. The department has established a state recovery organization with representation from local and state government agencies to fill resource requests, enhance information sharing and problem solving, and address the needs of the impacted residents and businesses in Western Maryland. The department has also coordinated with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and state agencies in recovery efforts to mitigate the risk of flooding due to the impacts on the local rivers and streams in the area.
Volunteer organizations have already provided more than $400,000 in estimated support services via the Crisis Cleanup app, including muck out and clean up of residences and businesses across Allegany County. Additional goods, services, and volunteer hours have also been donated in support of recovery that were not captured by the app’s tracking, demonstrating a true whole community recovery effort.
Garrett County and Allegany County residents and business owners are also eligible for disaster loans through the U.S. Small Business Administration Physical Loan program. A Disaster Loan Outreach Center has been opened at 103 1st Street, Westernport, MD 21562, which will serve both Allegany and Garrett counties. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Multi-agency resource and support centers remain open:
Westernport
- Location: Bruce Outreach Center - 398 Philos Ave, Westernport, MD 21562
- Days & Times: Saturday & Monday 10am - 4pm & Wednesday 1-7pm
Lonaconing
- Location: Good Will Fire Co Armory - 2 Advocate Ct, Lonaconing, MD 21539
- Days & Times: Sunday & Tuesday 10am - 4pm & Thursday 1-7pm
For more information, visit mdem.maryland.gov and follow the department’s social media feeds:
- X: @MDMEMA)
- Facebook (facebook.com/MDMEMA)
- LinkedIn (linkedin.com/company/maryland-department-of-emergency-management)
- Threads (threads.net/@mdmema)
- Bluesky (@mdmema.bsky.social).
