Van Hollen, Alsobrooks, McClain Delaney Encourage Western Maryland Farmers to Seek USDA Recovery Assistance in Wake of Severe Flash Flooding
Van Hollen, Alsobrooks, McClain Delaney Encourage Western Maryland Farmers to Seek USDA Recovery Assistance in Wake of Severe Flash Flooding
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks and Congresswoman April McClain Delaney (all D-Md.) encouraged farmers in Allegany, Garrett, and Washington Counties to seek resources now available to them through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Emergency Farm Loan program in the wake of May’s severe flash flooding in Western Maryland that left severe damage throughout the region. The lawmakers were encouraged to see this decision announced last week by USDA as they continue to push the Trump Administration to approve the state’s request for a presidential disaster declaration in response to damage from the flash flooding.
“As I saw firsthand in the days following the storm, Western Maryland was hard-hit by May’s historically intense flooding. I’m glad USDA resources are now available to local farmers who suffered crop and property loss from the storm to help make them whole and get their businesses back on track. This is an important step, but we will continue pushing the Trump Administration to approve Maryland’s request for a presidential disaster declaration – the key to ensuring the areas most heavily impacted will have federal resources to help them rebuild,” said Senator Van Hollen.
“Team Maryland continues to urge the Trump Administration to approve our request for a presidential disaster declaration and unlock necessary funds from FEMA. In the meantime, I am relieved that farmers can access assistance immediately through the USDA. Our country has been plagued with a tragic summer of flooding throughout the country – including here in Western Maryland. Time is of the essence, and it is absolutely essential to ensure Western Maryland receives the support and funding it needs. I will keep fighting so our small businesses can bounce back, our farmers can continue feeding and fueling America, and families can begin to rebuild from the destruction," said Senator Alsobrooks.
“What I saw in the immediate aftermath of the floods in Mountain Maryland stayed with me — neighbors coming together, digging out each other’s homes, showing incredible strength and solidarity in the face of devastation. Our farming communities didn’t just lose crops and property; they faced a deep, personal loss. While the USDA’s Emergency Farm Loan program offers important immediate relief, we urgently need the Trump Administration to approve Maryland’s request for a presidential disaster declaration. Our farmers and residents deserve nothing less than swift and comprehensive assistance as they work to restore their livelihoods and communities,” said Congresswoman McClain Delaney.
In June, the entire Maryland Congressional Delegation urged the Trump Administration to approve Maryland’s request for a presidential disaster declaration in response to the damage from May’s flash flooding in Western Maryland. While the recovery assistance for farmers through the USDA is available immediately, the presidential disaster declaration is still under consideration by the White House. If approved, it would unlock funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to help reimburse emergency response efforts during and after the floods, complete necessary repairs to damaged public infrastructure and facilities, and support efforts to prevent or reduce long-term risk to life and property from future flooding and other similar natural disasters. Senators Van Hollen and Alsobrooks and Congresswoman McClain Delaney continue to press the Administration for approval in order to support the significant recovery needs in Allegany and Garrett Counties.
For USDA disaster assistance, farmers in Allegany, Garrett, and Washington Counties are encouraged to contact their local Farm Service Agency (FSA) and visit the USDA’s website for more information. The deadline apply is March 15, 2026. To receive additional assistance, constituents can call Senator Van Hollen’s office at (301) 545-1500, Senator Alsobrooks’ office at (301) 860-0414, and Congresswoman McClain Delaney’s office at (301) 926-0300.
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