Governor Moore Proposes $12 Million for Western Maryland Flood Recovery and Community Investments

Maryland Governor Wes Moore has announced a significant financial commitment to Western Maryland, proposing $12 million in operating funds for flood recovery efforts in Allegany County as part of the administration’s Fiscal Year 2027 budget. This funding is earmarked for restoring riverbeds and repairing critical infrastructure in communities still impacted by severe flooding in May 2025, a situation exacerbated by the denial of federal disaster aid.

The proposed $12 million investment aims to address essential needs identified by local officials and the George’s Creek Task Force following the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) refusal to grant the state’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration. Specifically, the plan allocates $5.5 million toward the restoration of the George’s Creek riverbed, a measure intended to reduce the risk of future flooding. An additional $5.5 million is designated for repairs to vital infrastructure, including sewer and water lines, roads, and bridges. Furthermore, $1 million is set aside to restore the foundation and structural integrity of the Westernport Library, a key community resource. These proposed funds build upon nearly $1.5 million in immediate relief that was previously distributed through the State Disaster Recovery Fund and the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program to aid affected families last year.

Beyond the immediate flood recovery, Governor Moore’s proposed budget includes over $74 million in Capital Improvement Program projects distributed across Garrett, Allegany, and Washington counties. This allocation is part of the Moore-Miller Administration’s strategy to foster economic growth and enhance the quality of life in these regions. Allegany County is slated to receive $16.9 million, Garrett County $26.1 million, and Washington County $31 million through the Capital Improvement Program.

Notable projects within this broader budget proposal include $7.9 million for upgrades to the Grantsville Wastewater Treatment Plant and $5.5 million for water and wastewater improvements at Swallow Falls State Park, both located in Garrett County. In Allegany County, the budget allocates $2.8 million for improvements to the Rocky Gap State Park campground and $2.4 million for the renovation of the Allegany College of Maryland Workforce Development and Training Center. Washington County is set to benefit from $6.4 million for the construction of a new Downsville Pike Elementary School and $4.1 million for upgrades to the Hancock Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Since assuming office, the Moore-Miller Administration has directed approximately $418 million in capital funding toward the local infrastructure needs of Garrett, Allegany, and Washington counties. The administration has also prioritized the economic competitiveness of the region, which includes the full restoration of funding for Interstate 81 in Washington County and securing a $100 million investment from Hitachi to establish a rail production facility in Hagerstown, a project anticipated to create 1,300 jobs.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the Office of Governor Wes Moore

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