WESTERNPORT — After an updated estimate by the county government, the Westernport Library is looking at a cost of $1 million to $2 million to properly restore the site, which suffered extensive damage from May flash flooding.
“In addition to a total loss of the library collections (more than 12,000 items), technology and furniture, the foundation took a hit in the front of the building where the flood waters came across the street,” said Lisa McKenney, director of the Allegany County Library System.
“And there is now a height difference of approximately 6 inches from the outside walls to the inner dividing wall.”
The library did have flood insurance, but the coverage did not cover structural damages that the building sustained.
“Work is ongoing to determine what is needed to fix 66 Main St. and to calculate the total costs to fix the foundation and reconstruct the interior of the building,” McKenney said.
“Although there is not yet an official estimate for the project, the costs could be in the range of $1 to $2 million.”
Next steps are not yet clear, McKenney said, as the original location is located in a flood plain, so another flood may be inevitable.
In addition to restoring the original building, preventative measures would need to be implemented to mitigate the damages a future flood may produce.
The Westernport Library was included in the Federal Emergency Management Administration request for federal flood assistant sent by Gov. Wes Moore, which was denied in late October.
“It is our understanding that there are ongoing conversations with our state government to ascertain whether there is any additional support that can be provided,” she said. “And we also don’t yet know if any financial support for the Westernport Library would be a part of any funds provided from the state if so.”
Since the previous location has been out of use, the Allegany County Library System has opened a temporary location at 121 Main St. in Westernport that continues to provide services Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
“We haven’t given up, and the work continues to investigate all of our options,” McKenney said.
“We are being realistic and recognize that this process will be a marathon and not a sprint.”