Evaluating Hurricane Sandy's Impact

Yesterday, I was able to tour the district to evaluate damage from Hurricane Sandy first-hand with Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz and Baltimore County Councilman John Olszewski. We spent time in communities prone to flooding, including Millers Island, Watersedge and Havre de Grace. I also touched base with Harford County Executive David Craig and Havre de Grace Mayor Wayne Dougherty.

I want to thank all our first responders, utility crews and workers at the local, state and federal levels, some of which continue to work around the clock to minimize the impact. Residents, too, deserve credit for taking the warnings seriously and staying off the roads.

At the urging of Maryland’s Congressional delegation, the President has issued a “pre-disaster” declaration for the State of Maryland, which means local governments are now eligible for federal disaster funding. This will help ensure Maryland’s already strained budget is not stretched any thinner because of Sandy. The governor will likely also request federal funding to aid individual homeowners impacted by the storm. More information on that and other assistance programs will be forthcoming. Please check my website for updates.