WESTERNPORT — Damages from floods that consumed southwestern Allegany County nearly three weeks ago are estimated upward of $78 million, U.S. Rep. April McClain Delaney’s office said Friday.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency since Wednesday has been assessing the area, although no decisions or timeline have been established for help.
On Thursday, local and state emergency management officials updated the congresswoman on the extent of damage, ongoing response and recovery efforts.
“I’m committed to working in lockstep with the governor and our U.S. senators to help Mountain Maryland in their time of need,” McClain Delaney said.
“This will be a true bicameral effort to secure as much federal funding as possible,” she said. “Our entire delegation must come together to lift up (the Allegany and Garrett county area) to ensure it has the resources and support it needs to recover, rebuild and thrive.”
‘Ready to work’
Aspects of the flood recovery were highlighted at the Allegany County Board of Commissioners meeting Thursday.
“We are still receiving federal support,” Commissioner Bill Atkinson said, adding that U.S. Sen. Angela Alsobrooks was expected to tour the area Friday.
“The Small Business Administration disaster loan assistance is on site, for low-interest disaster loans for flood-effected homeowners, renters, nonprofits and businesses,” he said.
County Attorney T. Lee Beeman said a draft lease agreement with Beitzel Resources in Grantsville was finalized.
“They’ve been kind enough to donate warehouse space to us,” he said, adding that the area will be used to store flood relief items.
County Administrator Jason Bennett said post-flood work continues in Westernport.
“All of our crews are currently up there,” he said.
Commissioner Creade Brodie said he was grateful for people and agencies who helped “with the recent devastation of the flood” in Allegany County.
“It did a number to us,” he said, thanking “all four mayors of the crick,” regarding leaders of the lower Georges Creek region.
“What really amazed a lot of people from Midland to Westernport was the citizens that jumped in and helped,” Brodie said. “Everyone showed up ready to work and ready to help.”
Commissioner President Dave Caporale said more help is wanted.
“If you can give funds, supplies or your time, these folks still need it,” he said. “We’ve got a long way to go.”
Westernport Mayor Judy Hamilton was at the meeting to thank county officials and workers for their support as her town recovers.
She talked of Caporale “scraping up floors one night, helping our rescue squad.”
Brodie “has checked in with me … several times,” Hamilton said.
“A lot of our homes are damaged, we’re still digging out mud,” she said. “But, you guys have been wonderful … I truly appreciate everything that you guys have done.”
Across the country
Jonathan Dayton is president of the Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association in Allegany and Garrett counties.
He was raised in Westernport and is an active volunteer firefighter and emergency medical technician.
The town’s Potomac Fire Company No. 2 on Main Street sustained roughly 2 feet of water in the flood, Dayton said.
The department is working with its insurance company as it navigates needed repairs, including new interior walls.
“It’s kind of a waiting game,” Dayton said, adding that financial donations are appreciated. “Insurance doesn’t cover everything.”
After the May 13 flood, the fire company’s demand in the community grew by roughly 80% and included rock slides, water in basements, downed trees and electrical emergencies, he said.
“We’ve seen a major increase in calls,” Dayton said.
Meanwhile, “the fire station is still operational,” he said.
“It’s been a very busy two weeks (and there’s) a lot of work that still needs to be done,” Dayton said.
He thanked volunteer emergency responders and mutual aid from departments across the region, including in West Virginia and Pennsylvania for their help during the flood.
Westernport’s Potomac Fire Company No. 2 Chief Tim Dayton said proactive approaches, such as rebuilding with metal walls, are being explored.
He hopes the fire station is renovated within a couple of months.
Tim Dayton talked of his gratitude for folks, many who came from across the country to support the tiny town’s recovery.
“The outpouring of the citizens and the people coming in to help … is unbelievable,” he said.
Next door, Tri-Towns EMS was also flooded.
“Tri-Towns EMS suffered severe damage to our building due to the recent flooding,” a GoFundMe page for the organization stated Friday. “Our entire basement was submerged, and the damage extended throughout the first floor of our station.”
Tri-Towns also lost “several thousand dollars worth of vital medical supplies, as well as furniture, office equipment and essential materials critical to our day-to-day operations,” the page stated.
‘Spirit of service’
Frostburg State University this week opened its doors to Westernport Elementary School staff and students.
The May 13 floodwaters reached the second floor of their school and required roughly 150 students and 50 adults to be evacuated by boat and a high-profile vehicle.
Due to extensive damage from the flood, the elementary school will be closed for the remainder of the academic year.
The school of 295 students and staff will utilize space on the FSU campus until June 6.
“In the wake of the devastating flood, Bobcat Nation was happy to offer our support to Westernport Elementary School,” FSU Interim President Darlene Brannigan Smith said via press release. “I’m proud of our staff who stepped up to quickly formulate a plan to provide learning spaces in our Education and Health Science Center for these elementary students — and dare I say future Bobcats.”
FSU’s Children’s Literature Centre, which is housed in the EHSC, will be used for office space and provide supplemental lessons and activities for the students.
“Coincidentally, this year’s school partner in the Children’s Literature Centre’s Adopt-A-School Program is Westernport Elementary School,” the release stated.
In addition to spaces in the EHSC, the Westernport group will have access to Frostburg’s fields and gymnasiums for physical education and recess, and space will be reserved in FSU’s Lane University Center for student meals.
“Breakfast and lunch are being provided courtesy of the university’s new food vendor, Aladdin, who only just began their contract with FSU on May 23,” the release stated.
“So many departments across our campus should be commended for working together to make this a reality for these children,” Smith said. “Thanks go out to staff in the EHSC and CLC, Aladdin, FSU campus police, our facilities and athletics departments, our Lane Center and university bookstore, printing services and academic and student affairs.”
Westernport’s teachers were on campus Tuesday for an orientation and welcome session in preparation for the students’ Thursday arrival.
Students were greeted by FSU staff as well as a surprise visit from Frostburg’s mascot, Bob E. Cat.
“We are truly excited to have our family back together, and with the help of FSU, this is possible,” Westernport Principal Derek Horne said via the release. “Our hearts are warmed by their generosity.”
According to the release, FSU student volunteers on the night of the flood provided bedding and hygiene kits for stranded victims.
The FSU Department of Athletics provided access to campus laundry facilities for a Lonaconing nursing home that was without water for four days.
“The efforts of our students, faculty, staff and administrators demonstrate the true spirit of service and all that FSU stands for,” Smith said. “We’re just so glad that something positive was able to come out of this tragedy.”
Ways to help
Checks can be sent to Potomac Fire Company No. 2, PO Box 326, Westernport, MD 21562.
A GoFundMe to support Potomac Fire Co. No. 2 and Tri-Towns EMS will close June 7.
Tri-Towns EMS also has its own GoFundMe page.
Tri-Towns is selling “Stronger than the Storm” shirts to raise funds for its rebuilding efforts. A variety of styles are available and range in price from about $20 to $40. Learn more at fhi.promo/stronger-than-the-storm.
The Western Maryland Strong Fund states it was created “to provide a secure and reliable repository for contributions, ensuring support reaches individuals and families impacted by the flooding with flexible aid for evolving needs.” Learn more at alleganygov.org/1849/Flood-Recovery.