FEMA DENIES MARYLAND’S DISASTER DECLARATION REQUEST

The Federal Emergency Management Agency is denying Maryland’s request for a major disaster declaration for areas impacted by the remnants of Tropical Storm Ida.  In denying the request, FEMA said it did not believe damage from the storm was beyond the capabilities of the state and local governments.  As a result, Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman and Annapolis Mayor Gavin Buckley are asking Governor Larry Hogan to issue a state disaster declaration.  Such a move would trigger state assistance for businesses and residents affected by a EF-2 tornado spun up by the storm.