Mikulski, Cardin Lead Maryland Delegation in Requesting
Major Disaster Declaration for Baltimore
May 27, 2015
Delegation asks President Obama to support Governor Hogan’s
request for a major disaster declaration as Baltimore recovers from recent
unrest
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Barbara A. Mikulski and Ben
Cardin (both D-Md.) were joined by members of Maryland’s Congressional
Delegation today in sending a letter to President Barack Obama supporting
Governor Hogan’s request for a declaration of a major disaster for Baltimore
following recent unrest in the city. If awarded, Maryland will become eligible
for federal disaster recovery dollars through the Federal Emergency Management
Agency (FEMA), ensuring the state’s already strained budget is not stretched any
thinner. The letter was signed by Senators Mikulski and Cardin, as well as U.S.
Representatives Steny H. Hoyer (D-Md.), Elijah E. Cummings (D-Md.), Chris Van
Hollen (D-Md.), C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-Md.), John P. Sarbanes (D-Md.),
Donna F. Edwards (D-Md.) and John Delaney (D-Md.).
“Following the tragic death of Freddie Gray, citizens of
Baltimore reacted with outrage in their demands for truth and their demands for
justice,” the Members wrote. “For seven days, from April 25, 2015 through May
1, 2015, the City of Baltimore experienced civil unrest... Maryland and its
local jurisdictions have contributed a vast amount of resources, which will
continue to have economic impacts around our state. A Major Disaster
declaration is necessary to help provide the resources needed by all.”
The full text of the delegation’s letter of support is as
follows:
May 26, 2015
The President
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20500
Dear Mr. President:
We are writing to express our strong support for Governor
Hogan’s May 21, 2015 request for a Major Disaster declaration for the City of
Baltimore. Given the massive impact that the situation in Baltimore is having
on the state’s resources, we respectfully request that you urgently approve
Federal assistance.
Following the tragic death of Freddie Gray, citizens of
Baltimore reacted with outrage in their demands for truth and their demands for
justice. For seven days, from April 25, 2015 through May 1, 2015, the City of
Baltimore experienced civil unrest. The boiling emotions of a small fraction of
Baltimoreans turned into violence and vandalism to homes and businesses that
the vast majority of Baltimore’s citizens have been working to rebuild and
restore.
Governor Hogan took appropriate action under State law and
directed the execution of the State Response Operations Plan in accordance with
Section 401 of the Stafford Act. In addition, the Governor issued an Executive
Order declaring that a State of Emergency existed and activated the Maryland
National Guard to State service. The Governor has certified that additional
Federal assistance is needed. The Governor has provided the Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA) with a preliminary damage assessment of over $19
million in expenditures for local jurisdiction law enforcement, security,
firefighting, and emergency management costs as well as out-of-state resources
required to supplement local and state resources. This Major Disaster
declaration is necessary to address emergency protective measures and public
buildings and contents per Category B & E of Public Assistance under the
Stafford Act. This situation has the potential to negatively impact services in
other areas, given an already strained state budget environment.
Maryland and its local jurisdictions have contributed a vast
amount of resources, which will continue to have economic impacts around our
state. A Major Disaster declaration is necessary to help provide the resources
needed by all. We appreciate your
consideration of Maryland’s request, and look forward to continue working with
you in this recovery.
*****
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