Maryland officials confident of snowstorm disaster aid

(AP) – Maryland Emergency Management Agency officials say they’re confident of getting federal disaster aid for local governments hit hard by snowstorm expenses.

Executive Director Russell Strickland said Tuesday that overall costs statewide will easily exceed the $8.1 million threshold for a disaster declaration.

Spokesman Chas Eby says the state aims to submit its application by mid-February, seeking partial reimbursement for tens of millions of dollars in snow removal costs, damage to public property and emergency measures to protect lives and property.

The weekend storm pummeled Maryland from the Atlantic coast to the West Virginia border. It dumped up to 38.5 inches of snow in some areas, caused flooding and fishing-pier damage in Ocean City and partially collapsed a school roof in Baltimore County.