Statement from Van Hollen, Alsobrooks, McClain Delaney on Trump Administration Denial of Disaster Declaration for Western Maryland

July 23, 2025
WASHINGTON –Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks and Congresswoman April McClain Delaney (all D-Md.) released the following statement on President Donald Trump’sdenialof Maryland’s request for a presidential disaster declaration to support the recovery efforts in Allegany and Garrett Counties following the flash flooding that occurred in May:
“Marylanders in Allegany and Garrett Counties were hard-hit by May’s historically intense storms. Two months after flash flooding tore through these communities, they are still in need of support to repair public schools and libraries that were inundated, roads and bridges that were washed out, and homes and businesses that were left severely damaged. Even though the cost of the damage in these two rural Maryland counties exceeds the threshold for federal assistance, the Administration is refusing to come to their aid. We strongly urge the President to reconsider this decision and deliver federal resources to Allegany and Garrett Counties so they are not forced to shoulder the burden of recovery on their own.”
Last month, every member of the Maryland Congressional Delegation came together tosupportMaryland’s request for a presidential disaster declaration to address the recovery needs of the Allegany and Garrett County communities impacted by May’s flash floods.