US EditionFEMA rejects western Maryland flood aid request
FEMA denied aid despite $33.7 million in damages, nearly triple Maryland's threshold, leaving Western Maryland communities to seek state support for recovery and infrastructure repairs.
- On October 24, 2025, President Donald Trump's administration rejected Maryland's appeal for federal disaster aid, with FEMA denying a Major Disaster Declaration that would have unlocked funds.
- The May 12-14, 2025 severe weather in Western Maryland caused flooding that damaged over 200 homes, with FEMA validating more than $33.7 million in damages, exceeding Maryland's $11.6 million threshold.
- In Westernport, Maryland, officials report ongoing breaks in the local sewer system's 200-plus lines, road closures threatening emergency services, and the Westernport elementary school and library still partly closed months after flooding.
- The denial leaves no legal appeals and local governments, having spent $7 million in reserves, may borrow through state bonds, which could burden taxpayers, while Maryland Gov. Wes Moore called the decision deeply frustrating.
- White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson defended the review process as states must 'supplement — not substitute — their obligation' while Maryland and others, including Vermont and Illinois, were denied aid amid partisan relief accusations.
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WESTERN MD’s FINAL APPEAL FOR FEMA HELP DENIED: The Trump administration rejected the state’s final appeal for federal disaster relief for Western Maryland communities that are still recovering from May’s historic flash floods. Sapna Bansil/The Baltimore Banner. The Trump administration on Thursday denied an appeal for federal disaster aid to Western Maryland for the May floods in Allegany and Garrett Counties. Audrey Keefe, Capital News Servic…
FEMA rejects western Maryland flood aid request
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) said the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) denied his state’s appeal for federal disaster relief for flooding in May. Moore (D), in a Thursday release, called the move “deeply frustrating” and said it “leaves Marylanders on their own.” “FEMA has a responsibility to weigh the merits of each emergency request…
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