Md. gets $15.4 million in FEMA snow funds

Disaster declaration earns financial relief

Maryland will receive more than $15.4 million in federal disaster funds to help state and local governments and some private, non-profit organizations replenish funds expended during last winter's snow storms.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has obligated $14.1 million for costs incurred during the Dec. 18-20 blizzard, and another $1.3 million for expenditures during the Feb. 5-11 storms. Three-quarters of the funds will be made available right away, the agency said. The rest will follow as paperwork is processed.

"The December and February storms have been a heavy fiscal burden on the state. We want to work on getting our localities and state agencies reimbursed and in better financial shape before any future weather-related events," said State Coordinating Officer Richard Muth.

Only Somerset and Worcester counties are ineligible for the assistance, which covers emergency protective measures and snow removal on a cost-sharing basis.

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Maryland weather blog: Frank Roylance on meteorology

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