Mikulski Testimony for Senate Hearing Examining Impact of Super-Storm Sandy

“[W]e all must remember that we are in this together. We must help each other find the resources to rebuild, but we must also take the lessons of Sandy and be better prepared for the next disaster,” Senator Says  

November 29, 2012

WASHINGTONU.S. Senator Barbara A. Mikulski (D-Md.) today released the following testimony on the impact of Super-Storm Sandy on Maryland at a hearing of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee entitled "Sandy and Its Impacts: A Local Perspective." Her testimony outlined documented damage across the state, currently standing at more than $27 million, and her continuing efforts to secure federal assistance for the most affected areas.  

"Super Storm Sandy's wrath had a measurable impact on residents of Maryland.  Over the course of several days, the storm brought unprecedented levels of precipitation and winds, delivering severe flooding and damage in many parts of Maryland, with widespread power outages and downed trees," Senator Mikulski said. "Nearly a month after Sandy, it's important that these residents know that they have a federal government on their side."  

Super-storm Sandy and preparations preceding it lasted from October 25 to November 4. The storm included maximum wind speeds of 90 mph and deposited up to two inches of rain per hour from Delmarva to the I-95 corridor. The damages Maryland experienced from this storm have ranged from severe flooding from heavy rains, high winds and significant coastal flooding in the eastern region of the State; heavy rains, high winds and significant coastal flooding along the Chesapeake Bay in the densely populated central region; and significant heavy wet snowfall and rain in the western portion of the state.  

Senator Mikulski led the Maryland delegation in urging President Obama to support Pre-Disaster Declaration, Disaster Declaration and Individual Assistance for Maryland counties impacted by Super-Storm Sandy. Last week, President Obama issued a major disaster declaration and approved Governor Martin O'Malley's request for public assistance and hazard mitigation. Following this Disaster Declaration, Senator Mikulski along with Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.) wrote to President Obama to urge him to approve the Governor's request for Individual Assistance, which is still under FEMA review. That request is available here.  

Senator Mikulski's full statement, submitted to the Committee, follows:  

"Madame Chair, thank you for convening this hearing today.  I appreciate the opportunity to speak before the committee on the effects that Super Storm Sandy had on Maryland.  Millions of people along the Eastern seaboard were affected by this storm, which caused extensive damage to public facilities and infrastructure, as well as devastation to coastal communities and towns.   What will be examined in your committee today is crucial to understanding how we can be better prepared for weather events of this type and how we can mitigate the harm that has been done.   

"Super Storm Sandy's wrath had a measurable impact on residents of Maryland.  Over the course of several days, the storm brought unprecedented levels of precipitation and winds, delivering severe flooding and damage in many parts of Maryland, with widespread power outages and downed trees.  As the vast majority of the state grinded to a halt, the situation was felt most acutely on Maryland's Eastern Shore, in the counties of Somerset, Worcester, and Dorchester. In those counties, where rates of poverty are some of the highest in our state, over 160 households were displaced due to flooding as a result of Sandy.  Many have not yet returned because their homes are either inhabitable or in serious need of repair, and many are without flood insurance---only 2,001 of the states 72,024 flood insurance policies exist in Somerset County.  

"In addition, Sandy had a significant effect on the industries of Maryland's Eastern Shore—flooding crops and dismantling seafood operations that are the lifeblood of the state's economy. As the crab industry goes, Maryland goes, and right now, many remain at a standstill due to Sandy.  Meanwhile, residents of Western Maryland were confronted with another version of the storm---in the form of a blizzard, which dumped several feet of wet heavy snow in the region.   

"Our state and its local governments continue to calculate their costs from this storm, but initial estimates reflected damage of over $27 million, a figure that continues to increase as assessments become more detailed. We are grateful for the continued assistance of our federal partners, primarily the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which remains on the ground in the most affected counties, assisting with damage assessments and working with residents.   

"We received a Major Disaster Declaration last Wednesday, making federal funding available for storm recovery.  At this time, 17 counties and the City of Baltimore have received Public Assistance, although the state's request for Individual Assistance for the hard hit shore counties of Somerset, Worcester, and Dorchester remains under review.  Last week, Senator Cardin and I urged FEMA to move on this request.  I am including that letter for submission to the record.   

"Nearly a month after Sandy, it's important that these residents know that they have a federal government on their side.    

"Let me end by saying that as the affected states recover from this storm, we all must remember that we are in this together.  The time that your state is spared is another state's worst nightmare.  We must help each other find the resources to rebuild, but we must also take the lessons of Sandy and be better prepared for the next disaster.    

"I look forward to the findings of the committee, and thank you again for holding this hearing today."