Md. Gov. Ehrlich Reports $2.7M for Isabel Victims

Maryland Gov. Robert Ehrlich, Jr., announced the State of Maryland has received $2.7 million in additional federal funds to assist victims of Hurricane Isabel, which affected Maryland in September 2003.

Gov. Ehrlich worked with the Bush Administration and Maryland’s congressional delegation to secure the funding, which was adopted by congress in October. The funding is in addition to $7.5 million in state funds Governor Ehrlich allocated to assist victims of Isabel.

“We remain deeply committed to helping the victims of Hurricane Isabel rebuild their homes, their properties, and their lives,” the Governor said. “This critical funding from the Bush Administration is an important step toward that goal. I look forward to working with the President and Maryland’s congressional delegation in the future to provide Isabel’s victims the assistance they need.”

The funding is made available from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and will be administered through Maryland’s Department of Housing and Community Development, led by Secretary Victor Hoskins. Congress recently passed legislation that includes funding to address major disasters declared by President Bush between Aug. 31, 2003, and Oct. 1, 2004.

The funds will be used for disaster relief, long-term recovery, and mitigation, and will be directed to the greatest disaster recovery needs in the State. In other words, citizens who are still suffering from the greatest amount of damage will receive priority.

In addition, the funds must be expended within 48 months and will be distributed according to an Action Plan for Disaster Recovery submitted by the State to HUD’s Baltimore field office.