HUD APPROVES FIRST STAGE OF MARYLAND'S DISASTER RECOVERY PLAN
$4.4 million awarded to help Somerset County rebuild from Hurricane Sandy

WASHINGTON - U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Jane C.W. Vincent announced today HUD's approval of the first stage of Maryland's disaster recovery plan following Hurricane Sandy. Funded through HUD's Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program, Maryland's initial recovery plan calls for a $4.4 million investment in a variety of housing and infrastructure activities in Somerset County along the state's eastern shore. Read Maryland's disaster recovery plan (www.mdhousing.org/Website/About/PublicInfo/Publications/Documents/Hurricane_Sandy_Con_Plan_Amendment.pdf).

Maryland's initial CDBG-Disaster Recovery plan includes $3 million to help low- and moderate-income owner-occupants rehabilitate or replace their homes. In addition, the state plans to invest $1 million to assist small businesses that have unmet recovery needs. The full plan, when approved, will total $8.6 million.

Vincent said today's approval will allow the State to begin the long-term process of rebuilding damaged housing and restoring damaged public facilities and infrastructure.

"Homeowners and businesses in Somerset County took a big hit from Hurricane Sandy but we're committed to help Maryland fill gaps that are not covered by other federal assistance or private insurance," said Vincent. "We've worked closely with Governor O'Malley and his recovery team throughout the entire process to help design effective programs that will help families repair their homes and restore damaged housing and small businesses."

"Super-Storm Sandy was one of the most destructive storms to ever hit the United States and had a measurable impact on Marylanders, especially on the residents of Somerset County. These funds in the federal checkbook will help those still reeling from the devastation of Sandy to recover and rebuild their lives, their livelihoods and their communities," said Senator Barbara Mikulski, Chairwoman of the Senate Appropriations Committee that puts funds in the federal checkbook for all federal housing programs. "I've continued to fight hard with Team Maryland so that those hit hardest by this storm know they have a federal government on their side. I've seen first-hand the impact Super-Storm Sandy has had on communities like Crisfield. We've got businesses that need to restart and homes that need to be rebuilt. This Community Development Block Grant funding is welcome relief to residents of Somerset County that will help restore infrastructure and housing and help restore lives."

"Marylanders continue to rebuild their lives, their homes and their businesses long after Hurricane Sandy. The federal government has been a partner since day one with resources and support. The Community Development Block Grants from HUD are sorely needed and will help bridge the distance to making Crisfield and the surrounding area whole again," said Senator Ben Cardin. "I will continue to work with HUD and other agencies to ensure that funds reach the people and neighborhoods most in need."

On January 29, President Obama signed the Disaster Relief Appropriations Act, 2013 into law, providing a total of $16 billion in CDBG Disaster Recovery funding. HUD quickly allocated $5.4 billion to five states (including Maryland) and New York City. Maryland submitted its first required action plan describing how the funds will be used, and HUD conducted an expedited review to enable the State to access these funds as quickly as possible.

The CDBG Disaster Recovery funding gives grantees significant flexibility in determining how best to use their funds to meet the greatest unmet needs. In general, the funds are intended for the restoration of housing and infrastructure as well as economic revitalization in disaster-impacted areas. The funds are to meet recovery needs that are not otherwise covered by other federal assistance, private insurance, or other sources.

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