The Federal Emergency Management Agency denied Maryland’s request for a disaster declaration for significant damage caused by the remnants of Tropical Depression Ida last month.

The denial comes after Governor Larry Hogan requested federal aid for Anne Arundel County, Cecil County, and the City of Annapolis, each of which declared Local State of Emergencies for significant damage to commercial and residential areas caused by tornadoes and severe flash flooding.

Under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, the President may declare that a disaster is of such severity and magnitude that effective response is beyond the capabilities of the State and the affected local governments and that supplemental federal assistance is necessary. In a letter to the Biden Administration, Governor Hogan said that at least 142 homes and businesses were affected and damaged during the storm.

Governor Hogan’s Director of Communications Mike Ricci tweeted that the Maryland Department of Emergency Management is meeting with local governments to discuss next steps, including a potential appeal.

Stay tuned to Conduit Street for more information.