President OKs Disaster Declaration For Maryland Snowstorm

BALTIMORE (AP) -- Emergency management officials say President Obama has approved Maryland's request for a disaster declaration after January's record-breaking snowstorm.

The Maryland Emergency Management Agency said in a news release that on Friday, Obama ordered federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts for the storm.

The blizzard on Jan. 22 and 23 dumped more than two feet of snow in the state.

In Baltimore, which budgeted less than $3 million for snow removal for 2016, the cost of January's storm is projected to be as high as $17 million.

Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake issued the following statement:

"Thank you to the Obama administration for recognizing the historic nature of January's snowstorm. I am particularly appreciative of the hard work of members of our congressional delegation for helping to make this happen. Unexpected natural events like this snowstorm can put great strain on municipal budgets. The federal financial assistance for our snow clean-up and recovery efforts will be a great help amid our challenging budget times."

The declaration means that federal aid will be available to communities in Maryland through state and local agencies and public safety agencies.

In addition to the state, 18 counties and Baltimore City area also eligible for aid.

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