Maryland’s Request For Individual Assistance Denied

   REISTERSTOWN, MD (Dec. 4, 2012) – Maryland officials will appeal the denial of the request for Individual Assistance for residents of the lower Eastern Shore who suffered damages in the wake of Superstorm Sandy.  The Federal Emergency Management Agency notified Governor Martin O’Malley of the decision Monday, December 3, 2012 to deny the Individual Assistance declaration.      “This decision will make it more difficult for hard hit residents of the Eastern Shore to recover from the destruction caused by Superstorm Sandy,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “State agencies will continue to work with local officials to try to help local residents, but the federal programs would have provided the best assistance.”

Maryland had sought individual assistance as part of the requested presidential disaster declaration for Dorchester, Somerset and Worcester counties.“We will appeal this decision,” said Maryland Emergency Management Agency Director Ken Mallette. “Although state agencies and volunteer groups have done their best to assist local residents, many residents have needs that go beyond the scope of those programs.”

Maryland has 30 days to file the appeal and will continue to supply updated damage information as it becomes available. Homeowners, renters and business owners who suffered damages not covered under existing insurance policies are urged to make sure that county emergency managers in Dorchester, Somerset and Worcester counties have been made aware of those damages.