Maryland Congressional Delegation Applauds SBA Approval of Maryland Disaster Relief for Tropical Depression Ida

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Ben Cardin, Chair of the Senate Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship, and Senator Chris Van Hollen, along with Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Andy Harris, M.D., Anthony G. Brown, Jamie B. Raskin, and David Trone today applauded theU.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)for approving the State of Maryland'srequestfor a physical disaster declaration due to damage from Tropical Depression Ida. This declaration qualifies eligible homeowners, businesses, and nonprofit organizations for SBA disaster assistance programs, including the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program (EIDL), to assist with costs associated with physical damage or economic injury caused by the storm.

"Tropical Depression Ida devastated many communities across Maryland, further straining local resources. Federal assistance is needed to rebuild these neighborhoods," the lawmakers said. "Federal Team Maryland applauds the SBA for granting the state's disaster request to make homeowners, businesses, and nonprofits harmed by this storm eligible for SBA disaster assistance programs, including low-cost, long-term EIDL loans. This aid will be critical to a swift recovery."

From August 31 to September 4 of this year, Tropical Depression Ida caused tornadoes and flash flooding in several counties in Maryland, damaging nearly 200 homes and businesses across the state.

The disaster declarationincludes the counties most affected by the storm-Anne Arundel, Cecil, and Montgomery-as well as contiguous counties, including Baltimore, Calvert, Frederick, Harford, Howard, Kent, Prince George's, and Baltimore City. On Monday, the delegation sent a letterto SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman urging the agency to approve the state's request.