WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5), U.S. Senators Barbara A. Mikulski and Ben Cardin (both D-MD), and Congresswoman Donna Edwards (MD-4) announced a $2,017,125.00 grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) through its Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) program to Prince George’s County to assist with the acquisition of six homes that were threatened by a severe slope failure in Fort Washington. The funding will be used for the acquisition, demolition, and re-grading of six properties along Piscataway Drive and two properties on Kris Ran Court in Prince George’s County.

“I’m pleased that this grant will help homeowners whose properties were directly affected by the slope failure and who were forced from their homes as a result,” stated Congressman Hoyer. “Thisfunding is an important step in the rebuilding process for these families and will also bring peace of mind to other residents on Piscataway Drive that have been inconvenienced by power disruption, water supply disruption, and issues with other necessary services. I will continue to work with the Maryland Congressional Delegation to ensure that these residents have every resource they need to feel safe and secure in their community.”

“Help is on the way for Fort Washington families whose homes and lives have been upended by slope failure along Piscataway Drive,” Senator Barbara Mikulski said. “These funds in the federal checkbook will help families who have been forced from their homes or have been subjected to rolling water and power disruptions to recover and rebuild. I will continue to fight together with Team Maryland for the day-to-day needs of Maryland families and communities with a government on their side.”

“Disasters disrupt communities long after the day they strike, and this FEMA grant will help address a serious disruption to daily life in Fort Washington,” said U.S. Senator Ben Cardin. “Team Maryland persistently works together to address hazards like these, and we appreciate the strong partnership of federal agencies in addressing them as quickly as possible.”

“This funding is a critical step towards ensuring that these homeowners receive the resources to move forward after this slope failure,” said Congresswoman Edwards. “I am grateful that FEMA stepped up for Maryland families, and I will continue to work with the Maryland Delegation to help the Fort Washington community fully recover.” 

“This is great news for the families of Piscataway Drive who have persevered this situation for nearly seven months. I want to thank our congressional delegation, the O'Malley/Brown Administration, and MEMA for helping us navigate through the grant process,” said Prince George’s County Executive Rushern L. Baker, III. “Today is an example of what happens when local, state, and federal officials work together to resolve problems. This grant is one of the last pieces of a financial puzzle that will enable us to repair the road and acquire the six homes in the affected area. I want to thank the families of Piscataway Drive for their patience during this very difficult time and for allowing us the time needed to figure out a solution for this very complicated situation.”