Letter to the Hon. Isabella Casillas Guzman, Administration of the Small Business Administration - Approve Disaster Declaration for Maryland Counties Affected by Hurricane Ida

Letter

Dear Administrator Guzman:

We are writing to strongly encourage you to grant the physical disaster declaration request submitted to the Small Business Administration (SBA) by Maryland Governor Larry Hogan on October 15.

As you know, from August 31 to September 4, several areas in the state of Maryland experienced substantial damage due to Tropical Storm Ida. Initial damage reports showed nearly 200 homes and businesses affected by flooding and tornado damage. Based on Preliminary Damage Assessments (PDAs) conducted by the SBA, the Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM), and officials from affected counties, sufficient damages have been substantiated in Montgomery, Anne Arundel, and Cecil counties to justify a physical disaster declaration in those counties. In addition, all contiguous counties, which include Baltimore, Calvert, Howard, Hartford, Kent and Prince George's counties, as well as Baltimore City, should also qualify for such a declaration.

Although the State of Maryland's request for a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for Individual Assistance following Tropical Storm Ida was denied by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), PDA findings for Maryland clearly show that at least 25 homes or businesses have sustained a minimum of 40 percent uninsured losses, thereby exceeding the standard required for a disaster declaration making SBA assistance available to affected homes and businesses.

We appreciate your prompt attention to the Governor's request, and thank you for your commitment to assisting businesses and families that are the victims of natural disasters.

Sincerely,