Catonsville Included In Federal Flood Recovery Request

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan announced Monday that he has requested a Presidential Disaster Declaration for the state of Maryland. The declaration would enable the regions affected by the May 27 floods to receive federal assistance, including Catonsville.

The request for federal resources spanned Howard County, Baltimore City and Baltimore County.

Hogan mentioned the impact specifically on Ellicott City, which was struck by a fatal flood after another flood in July 2016 had shut down the historic downtown for months.

“It was heartbreaking to witness a second flood in less than two years devastate Ellicott City," Hogan said in a statement. "This time, areas of Baltimore County and Baltimore City had significant damage as well."

Parts of Catonsville and southwest Baltimore City experienced flood waters that washed away roads and flooded homes.

After the May 27 flood, Baltimore County public works and fire crews said they were dispatched to help pump water from more than 400 homes with flooded basements. Among the buildings affected was Catonsville Elementary School, which county officials said had minor flooding and was able to open for school after Memorial Day.

There were dozens of significant water rescues and hundreds of calls for service during the flood, according to county officials. One home in the Catonsville area was deemed uninhabitable, officials reported.

Old Frederick Road, River Road, Westchester Avenue and Thistle Road were closed following the weather event.

"Our administration is committed to providing all available assistance to these communities, and the federal disaster declaration that I am requesting will bring additional resources to help impacted Marylanders," Hogan said.

• Catonsville Recovers From Floods After 10 Inches Of Rain
• Frederick Avenue Closed After Flood
• Maryland Under State Of Emergency After Flooding
• Ellicott City Flood: 'Devastated, Heartbroken' By Roaring Waters

Should the federal government issue the major disaster declaration, the affected areas would be eligible for help through the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act.

According to the federal act, the governor should request a major disaster declaration based on finding that the severity and magnitude of the disaster requires a response beyond the capabilities of the state and local governments, and federal assistance is necessary.

The impact of the May 27 flood was "significant" and substantiated the request, according to Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) Executive Director Russ Strickland.

"MEMA and FEMA worked closely with our local partners in Baltimore City, Baltimore County and Howard County to jointly assess damages and costs incurred,” said MEMA Executive Director Russ Strickland. "This storm had a significant impact on the entire area and our estimates confirm this."

Hogan also requested a Presidential Disaster Declaration for Frederick and Washington counties in mid May.

Pictured, Thistle Road flood on May 27, 2018, courtesy of Baltimore County Police and Fire.