WASHINGTON — The January blizzard cost the region time, patience and a whole lot of money. Now local governments are asking the feds for help with the bill.
Gov. Larry Hogan joins Mayor Muriel Bowser in asking the president to issue a disaster declaration as a result of the blizzard that started January 22.
FEMA is still assessing the damage in both jurisdictions from the historic storm, but so far D.C. has racked up more than $55 million in damages and Maryland, more than $31 million.
The hit gutted snow removal budgets that would be helped by reimbursement.
“MEMA worked closely with local governments and FEMA to jointly assess damages and costs incurred and initial estimates have validated the significant impact of this storm,” MEMA Executive Director Russell Strickland said in a release.
FEMA will determine if both areas meet the thresholds for assistance and decide likely within a month to release federal funds, says Chas Eby with the Maryland Emergency Management Agency.
