ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — Gov. Larry Hogan has requested a presidential disaster declaration after floods caused extensive damage on Main Street in Ellicott City.
The governor asked President Barack Obama for the declaration on Friday.
Approval would bring federal help to Howard County and Ellicott City through state and local agencies and public safety partners that helped during the storm.
Nearly six inches of rain fell in a few hours on July 30. The flooding killed two people and devastated the historic district of Ellicott City. Dozens of buildings that included a mix of businesses and residences were damaged. About 200 vehicles were swept downstream or flooded.
On Friday, Howard County Executive Allan Kittleman tapped former county executive and former state senator Jim Robey to serve as a special advisor for community recovery to help direct the rebuilding effort.
Kittleman said in a news release that he also is proposing county legislation to allow for permit fees to be waived for those affected by deadly flood.
More than $500,000 has been donated since the storm, Howard County officials said in a news release Friday.
WTOP’s Tiffany Arnold contributed to this report.
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