Ida Tornado: Hogan Offers $4M In Aid After FEMA Rejects Request For Help

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Gov. Larry Hogan on Friday offered $4 million in aid to the victims of Tropical Depression Ida, which caused heavy damage and spun up a tornado last month. The news came days after the Federal Emergency Management Agency rejected Maryland's request for a presidential disaster declaration and its associated relief.

"In the absence of federal action, I am taking immediate steps to provide additional relief for the families and businesses affected by last month’s devastating storm," Hogan said in a press release. "Working with local leaders, we are going to continue to do everything we can to help the community get through this and recover."

Hogan's move will assist residents and businesses with repairs and short-term rentals. Companies will also be eligible for loans. These efforts come through the Maryland Disaster Housing Assistance Program, the Maryland Disaster Relief Housing Program and the Maryland Business Recovery Loan program.

The governor also asked the U.S. Small Business Administration for a physical disaster declaration. This would open more flexible, low-interest loans for property repairs and replacements in Anne Arundel, Cecil and Montgomery counties.

The Maryland Insurance Administration is still aiding locals with complaints and questions. More information on this initiative is posted here.

"The State and my team have continued to work closely to provide assistance for impacted communities," Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman stated. "I want to thank Governor Hogan and his team for their continued partnership with Anne Arundel County and our agencies, to provide immediate and effective assistance for our residents and businesses affected by the storm."

Pittman and Annapolis Mayor Gavin Buckley urged Hogan to take action last week after FEMA declined to help. Buckley cheered Hogan's response.

"This is the good news we've been waiting for," the mayor commented. "It means the funding is being released and we couldn't be more pleased to be facilitating this for our residents who need it."

RELATED: Tornado Can Shake Store, But Not Determination Of Business Owner

Anne Arundel County and Annapolis both declared states of emergency after a twister spawned from Tropical Depression Ida on Sept. 1. The states of emergency have since expired, but the damage still remains.

The EF-2 tornado reached wind speeds of 125 mph while traveling from Edgewater to Annapolis and causing 3,924 power outages. Homes, schools, and businesses were damaged. In the state capital, the twister temporarily displaced 38 residents and left:

• 5 buildings destroyed
• 25 condemned
• 29 with major damage
• 46 with minor damage

Fundraisers have collected thousands for affected businesses, like Chris's Charcoal Pit. The Annapolis Town Center also hosted a benefit concert Sunday that raised more than $10,000 for the victims, WMAR journalist Abby Isaacs shared.

To learn more about the tornado benefit concert, check out WMAR's full story.

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RELATED:

• Federal Relief Money Denied After Anne Arundel Tornado: Report
• Concert For Tornado Victims Raises $10K
• Annapolis Tornado Leaves Businesses, Locals In Need Of Donations
• Tornado Can Shake Store, But Not Determination Of Business Owner
• Annapolis Tornado Town Hall To Help Residents Wednesday
• Tornado Wind Speeds Hit 125 MPH On Path To Annapolis, Edgewater
• Anne Arundel Tornado Cleanup Prompts State Of Emergency
• Annapolis Tornado: Dozens Of Homes, Commercial Buildings Damaged
• Tornado Damages Annapolis Businesses, South River Stadium

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