Ruppersberger Toured Storm Ravaged Areas all across Maryland
 FEMA Employee and Dutch Ruppersberger |
Washington, DC - Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (Democrat) toured storm ravaged areas all across the Maryland 2nd Congressional District - from Havre de Grace in Harford County to Bowley's Quarters and Miller's Island in eastern Baltimore County - offering help to residents and business owners in the aftermath of Hurricane Isabel. Congressman Ruppersberger joined dozens of local, state, and federal leaders including Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge, Maryland Governor Robert Ehrlich, Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith, and members of the Maryland Congressional Delegation to see the damage first hand and explain how the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) can help residents and business owners rebuild.
FEMA will reimburse residents who need to stay in a hotel or rent an apartment because their home in uninhabitable. FEMA will also award grants to residents for up to $5,000 for home repairs that are not covered by private insurance. The Small Business Administration in coordination with FEMA will help residents and business owners get low interest loans so they can rebuild storm damaged property. FEMA will also help local governments pay for up to 75% of the cost of debris removal and other emergency needs in the aftermath of Hurricane Isabel.
 Local Resident talks with Dutch Ruppersberger |
Many of the people who live and work in these areas along the Chesapeake Bay experienced the worst flooding they have ever seen.
"The residents of Bowley's Quarters, Miller's Island, Havre de Grace, and other areas hit hard by Hurricane Isabel are resilient. Representatives from FEMA are working in these communities to help residents get the resources they need to rebuild," said Congressman Ruppersberger.
There are three Disaster Recovery Centers in the Baltimore and Annapolis areas where residents can go to meet with FEMA representatives, Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) representatives, and local officials to help get aid in the wake of Hurricane Isabel.
| Anne Arundel Center 44 Calvert Street Annapolis, MD |
Back River Neck Community Center 801 Back River Neck Road Baltimore, MD (Baltimore County) |
St. Stanislaus Catholic Church 724 South Ann Street Baltimore, MD (The City of Baltimore) |
 Dutch Ruppersberger speaks at Press Conference |
The centers will be open:
Monday through Friday, 9am to 7pm
Saturday, 9am to 5pm
Sunday, Noon to 5pm
Residents and business owners are also encouraged to call FEMA within 60 days of Hurricane Isabel at 1-800-621-FEMA to register for assistance. The TTY number is 1-800-462-7585 for those who are speech or hearing impaired.