Mikulski, Cardin Lead Maryland Delegation in Requesting Major Disaster Declaration for State of Maryland Following Hurricane Irene
U.S. Senator Barbara A. Mikulski and Ben Cardin (both D-Md.) were joined by members of Maryland’s Congressional Delegation today in sending a letter to President Barack Obama requesting a declaration of a major disaster for the State of Maryland as a result of Hurricane Irene. If awarded, Maryland will become eligible for federal disaster recovery dollars through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), ensuring the already strained state budget is not stretched any thinner as a result of another natural disaster. The letter was signed by Senators Mikulski and Cardin, as well as U.S Representatives Chris Van Hollen, Steny H. Hoyer, Roscoe E. Barlett, Elijah E. Cummings, C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger, John P. Sarbanes, Donna F. Edwards and Andy Harris.
“Maryland and its local jurisdictions have contributed a vast amount of resources in a very short period,” the letter reads. “The state continues to assess the full amount of damages and losses for this disaster, although preliminary assessments show severe damage to infrastructure and public safety needs. The assistance requested will provide vital resources to save lives and protect property.”
In preparation of Hurricane Irene, Governor O’Malley directed the execution of the State CORE Emergency Operations Plan, and, on August 24, 2011, declared that a State of Emergency existed within the entire state. On September 8, 2011, a continued State of Emergency was declared as Maryland continued to experience high flooding and was forced to open additional gates at the Conowingo Dam.
Through the prolonged effects of Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee, state and local jurisdictions have contributed a vast amount of resources. The federal dollars resulting from a major disaster declaration would provide resources vital to protect lives, safety and property across the State of Maryland.
The full text of the delegation’s letter of support is as follows:
September 16, 2011
The President
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20500
Dear Mr. President:
We are writing to express our very strong support for Governor O'Malley's September 12, 2011 request for a declaration of a major disaster for the State of Maryland as a result of Hurricane Irene which initially affected Maryland during the week of August 24, 2011, and continued to impact our state through September 8, 2011. This storm and the heavy rain that followed have had an enormous drain on the state’s resources, and risks the state’s ability to protect lives and safety.
Hurricane Irene delivered severe storms, flooding, hurricane force winds, and unprecedented levels of precipitation to our state. Governor O’Malley took appropriate action under Maryland law, directing the execution of the State CORE Emergency Operations Plan. The Governor further declared that a State of Emergency existed within the entire state beginning August 24, 2011, and the Maryland National Guard was called into service. In response to several mandatory and voluntary evacuations around our state, 28 publicly-operated shelters were maintained and staffed, servicing 5,453 individuals in need. A continued State of Emergency was declared on September 8, 2011, as our state continued to experience high flooding and was forced to open additional gates at the Conowingo Dam. This flooding has placed both business and residential communities in peril.
Maryland and its local jurisdictions have contributed a vast amount of resources in a very short period. The state continues to assess the full amount of damages and losses for this disaster, although preliminary assessments show severe damage to infrastructure and public safety needs. The assistance requested will provide vital resources to save lives and protect property. We appreciate your consideration of Maryland’s request, and look forward to continue working with you in this recovery.