FEMA denies state request for disaster aid to cover Baltimore riot costs

[lostinblue 1,989]

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/bs-md-fema-denies-riot-aid-0620-20150619-story.html FEMA denies state request for disaster aid to cover Baltimore riot costs

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has denied a state request for disaster aid to cover the costs associated with the rioting and unrest that broke out in Baltimore after the death of Freddie Gray.

W. Craig Fugate, FEMA's administrator, wrote in a June 12 letter to Gov. Larry Hogan that federal disaster aid was "not appropriate" for such an event.

"Therefore, I must inform you that your request for a major disaster declaration is denied," Fugate wrote.

Spokeswoman Erin Montgomery said Friday that the Hogan administration "is reviewing FEMA's response and will make a determination about the appropriate next steps, including a possible appeal."

A disaster declaration would allow public agencies and residents affected by the unrest to seek reimbursement for related costs.

City officials have reserved $20 million to cover direct costs, including overtime for police and firefighters, damage to city-owned property and repaying other jurisdictions for police and other assistance.

Howard Libit, a spokesman for Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, said Friday that the city is working on an appeal.

"We're told we have 30 days to appeal," he said. "We're working with the federal delegation and Obama administration officials to assess what we might do to become eligible for reimbursement."

Henry J. Raymond, Baltimore's finance director, said in May that the city was covering the costs from its rainy-day fund but hoped for federal reimbursement of up to 75 percent of the costs.

In his request for aid, Hogan had cited Baltimore's preliminary estimate that the rioting and looting in April and the five-night citywide curfew had an economic impact of $30.5 million. That included the loss of conventions, hospitality and leisure spending, and tourism from Orioles games that were closed to the public or moved to Florida.

More than 380 businesses were damaged in the rioting. A separate Hogan request for a disaster declaration was approved by the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Baltimore Sun reporter Luke Broadwater and the Associated Press contributed to this article.

[…] “we also gave those who wished to destroy, space to do that as well”…

[GandD 5,966]

One comment removed. Let's keep the discussion about topics, not other posters.

[spookyturtle 9,465]

Can we start a thread where we can talk about each other?

[The Nature Boy 4,224]

Can we start a thread where we can talk about each other?

That would be awesome .

[Expat1 971]

"We're working with the federal delegation and Obama administration officials to assess what we might do to become eligible for reimbursement."

I don't believe it's gonna happen. This disaster was created by, is owned by, and is the responsibility of the city and their reckless coppers.

[lostinblue 1,989]

"We're working with the federal delegation and Obama administration officials to assess what we might do to become eligible for reimbursement."

I don't believe it's gonna happen. This disaster was created by, is owned by, and is the responsibility of the city and their reckless coppers.

[…] “we also gave those who wished to destroy, space to do that as well”…

The destruction is owned by this person that gave rioters permission to burn out and loot Asian and white owned businesses..

[VOL 425]

I can't believe this stupid idiotic mayor of Baltimore wasn't ran out office for her comments, there is no doubts that she helped spark and fuel this riot.

Good decision by FEMA......