Governor Hogan requests Presidential Disaster Declaration for Tropical Storm Isaias damage

REISTERSTOWN, Md. – On Thursday, Governor Larry Hogan requested the White House issue a Major Disaster Declaration to assist communities impacted by Tropical Storm Isaias in August.

We’re told the request would provide financial assistance to Calvert, Dorchester, and St. Mary’s Counties, as well as state agencies for repairs to public infrastructure, and reimburse for measures taken to prepare for and respond to last month’s storm.

Governor Hogan is asking the President to reimburse state and local agencies for 100 percent of eligible response and recovery efforts, rather than the typical local cost share which agencies cannot afford due to dire economic conditions in Maryland as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. The money will be used to reimburse costs of debris removal, the repair or replacement of uninsured public infrastructure and emergency protective measures, such as operating Emergency Operations Centers and first response.

If the President grants a Major Disaster Declaration, state agencies, local governments, and certain non-profit organizations will be eligible to submit the cost of operations and projects to FEMA for reimbursement.