Maryland Governor Recognized by American Flood Coalition as a Federal Champion
Fighting for Maryland communities, Hogan doubles down on commitment to finding bipartisan strategies to address flooding, sea level rise in Maryland
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: WASHINGTON, D.C., August 27, 2019
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The American Flood Coalition has announced that Maryland Governor Larry Hogan has joined its nonpartisan alliance to address the growing threat of flooding and sea level rise.
Maryland communities have endured the brunt of some of the nation’s most devastating flooding in recent years. After being inundated by two 1000-year floods less than 2 years apart, Ellicott City suffered $22 million in direct damage and an additional $42 million in lost economic activity in 2016. In Annapolis, tidal flooding wreaks havoc on Maryland’s capital city at least 40 days out of the year—costing taxpayers over $170,000 in 2017 alone. Meanwhile, as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers projects waters off Ocean City and surrounding communities to increase by more than 6 inches over the next 15 years, Maryland’s coastal communities are adapting to the reality of rising sea levels.
“Maryland has been leading the charge and setting an example for the nation of strong environmental and climate leadership, and we are proud to take the next step forward by joining the American Flood Coalition,” said Governor Larry Hogan. “With more than 7,000 miles of beautiful shoreline, our state is particularly vulnerable to flooding. By working alongside a nonpartisan group of political, military, and business leaders, together we will continue to advance real solutions to protect our citizens, our economy, and our environment.”
Governor Hogan is the second Governor to join the American Flood Coalition which has membership in 14 states.
“From frequent tidal flooding in Annapolis to the devastating events in Ellicott City, Maryland communities are experiencing the impacts of flooding and sea level rise first hand,” said Melissa Roberts, executive director of the American Flood Coalition. “Governor Hogan is nationally respected for his proven track record of thoughtful, bipartisan leadership and we are excited to add his experience and perspective as we work to develop proactive policy solutions that will protect Maryland communities and improve the quality of life for Maryland residents.”
The American Flood Coalition is a nonpartisan group of cities, elected officials, military leaders, businesses, and civic groups that have come together to drive adaptation to the reality of higher seas, stronger storms, and more frequent flooding through national solutions that support flood-affected communities and protect our nation’s residents, economy, and military installations.
Cities, towns, elected officials, businesses, and local leaders wishing to join the American Flood Coalition or read more about the organization’s work can visit the Coalition’s website (www.floodcoalition.org) to find out more.
