The Baltimore Sun recently reported that the Federal Emergency Management Agency approved individual assistance funding to Maryland’s Eastern Shore families whose property was damaged in Hurricane Sandy.  The decision reverses a previous denial of aid to these counties, based on a request by the Maryland Emergency Management Agency and pressure from Maryland’s Governor and Congressional Delegation.

The request was based on new damage reports that the Maryland Emergency Management Agency gathered when it sent officials to Lower Shore counties.  It requested federal assistance for individuals in Dorchester, Garrett, Somerset, Wicomico and Worcester counties, according to the state’s congressional delegation.

State officials are encouraging anyone in Somerset County who suffered Sandy-related damage to call 800-621-FEMA (3362). “Not everyone who applies will receive assistance,” said Edward J. McDonough, spokesman for the Maryland Emergency Management Agency. “It’s not automatic.”

As described in the Sun, the federal government did not alter its decision to deny help to Western Maryland residents.

The local role in emergency management, and the ways that local, state and federal partners work together will be a topic of this year’s general session at the MACo Winter Conference.  Garrett County Commissioner, Gregan Crawford, will moderate the session.  The conference will be held at the Hyatt Resort in Cambridge, Maryland from January 2-4, 2013.  Registration is now open.