As billion-dollar disasters hit counties with increasing frequency and cost, Maryland’s recent floods and ongoing appeal for federal aid underscore the urgency of reforms to disaster relief and the need for stronger preparedness tools.
Over the past two decades, billion-dollar natural disasters have surged in both frequency and cost.
The National Association of Counties (NACo) reports that in 2024 alone, counties nationwide experienced 27 such events, resulting in damages totaling $182.7 billion. By comparison, 1987 saw none. The steady rise underscores the mounting strain on local governments.
National Preparedness Month
September is National Preparedness Month, a time to spotlight disaster readiness and resilience. County governments play a central role in these efforts — from clearing debris and rebuilding infrastructure to providing shelter for residents and restoring essential services. Preparedness is not just about response; it’s about building systems that can withstand future shocks.
Reforming Federal Disaster Aid
Even as disasters become increasingly costly, counties continue to face persistent challenges with federal reimbursement. Long delays and complex processes leave local governments covering immediate costs while waiting for federal support.
The Fixing Emergency Management for Americans (FEMA) Act, supported by counties across the nation, proposes reforms to:
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Establish a universal disaster application to streamline access to aid.
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Replace reimbursement with a grant-based model to speed up recovery.
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Create a public assistance dashboard to track projects and improve transparency.
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Involve counties more directly in mitigation planning to address vulnerabilities before the next disaster.
Maryland’s Recent Experience
As previously reported on Conduit Street, Maryland is currently engaged in a fight for federal aid after historic May floods devastated parts of Allegany and Garrett counties. The White House initially denied the State’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration, even though FEMA’s own updated assessments now validate $33.7 million in damages, nearly triple the federal threshold for assistance.
While the appeal proceeds, Maryland has drawn on its State Disaster Recovery Fund (SDRF) to provide immediate support to affected households. The SDRF, created through county advocacy, offers a backstop when federal aid is delayed or denied.
Recent legislation strengthened its deployment process, but the fund still lacks a permanent revenue stream. For counties, the experience underscores the importance of dependable and timely disaster relief, as well as the consequences that result when federal support is insufficient.
The Bottom Line
National Preparedness Month is both a reminder and a call to action. Disasters are more frequent, more expensive, and more disruptive than ever. Counties remain at the center of preparation and recovery, but they need a system that matches the urgency of the challenge. Federal reforms, paired with stronger State tools like the SDRF, are essential to ensure communities can respond effectively and recover quickly.
Useful Links
NACo: 2025 National Preparedness Month: County Participation Toolkit
Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Maryland Appeals Disaster Declaration Denial
#MACoCon Recap — FEMA Fallout: Facing Federal Funding Flux
No Help on the Way: FEMA Refuses Aid After Devastating Western Maryland Floods
State Activates New Disaster Fund for Allegany Flood Recovery
Governor Moore Declares Emergency After Historic Western Maryland Floods
Conduit Street Podcast: Disaster Dollars in Danger — Federal Funding Fades, County Risks Rise
County Emergency Managers to Congress: Protect FEMA, Restore BRIC
