Ellicott City and other parts of Maryland are still working to clean up after May's catastrophic flood, and now federal assistance is on the way.
President Trump just approved a disaster declaration and funding for repairs. This funding is desperately needed, especially by the business owners on Main Street who got loans to rebuild after the 2016 flood and are still paying those off as they try to decide if they can rebuild again.
The Memorial Day flood killed Maryland National Guardsman Eddison Hermond, tore apart Main Street, and forced many from their homes. Officials said the initial estimate for all of the repairs would cost more than $10.5 million in Howard County, $8.6 million in Baltimore County, and $3 million in Baltimore City. All of these estimates far exceeded local Public Assistance thresholds.
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In order to help with that funding, a Maryland congressional delegation sent a letter to the President, asking to support Governor Hogan's request for a disaster declaration in the state.
The news from the White House saying they will approve the funding came out late Monday night. The release from the administration states additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state, and if warranted.
