Gov. Hogan, Maryland Agencies Supporting Howard County Disaster Assistance Center

ANNAPOLIS, Maryland, May 29 -- Gov. Larry Hogan, R-Maryland, issued the following news release:

Governor Larry Hogan today announced that state agencies will join with local agencies to staff a Disaster Assistance Center for those in Howard County impacted by the recent flooding emergency. Howard County opened the center at noon today at the Howard County Department of Community Resources and Services Ellicott City 50+ Center, located at 9401 Frederick Road in Ellicott City, Md.

"This is a difficult time for many of our citizens in Howard County, and our administration is committed to helping provide the necessary support and assistance as they begin to recover from this devastating event," said Governor Hogan. "Our state agencies will continue to work in partnership with Howard County to ensure residents and business owners have access to the resources they need."

The Disaster Assistance Center will help provide a one-stop resource center so affected residents and businesses can begin recovering from the storm. The center will be open until 8:00 PM today, Wednesday through Friday from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and on Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

The Maryland Emergency Management Agency is coordinating state support. Below is a list of the state agencies that will be present and the services they will be able to provide to those seeking assistance:

Maryland Insurance Administration

* The Maryland Insurance Administration is available to assist consumers with any insurance issues or questions. Consumers may call (800) 492-6116 for assistance. Information on the claims process is also available at www.insurance.maryland.gov and on their Facebook page - www.facebook.com/MDInsuranceAdmin.

Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development

* The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development will be on site to provide information on emergency lending and grant programs to support businesses, individuals, and families who require rental assistance, along with homeowners and landlords that need help with repairs.

Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation

* The Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning will be on site to assist dislocated employees with information on connecting to employment opportunities.

* The Division of Unemployment Insurance will be on site to provide information and assist individuals who are unemployed as a result of the flood.

* The Division of Labor and Industry is prepared to assist both employers and employees in remaining safe in the aftermath of the storm. The Maryland Occupational Safety and Health (MOSH) unit will have personnel on site for consultation assistance.

* The Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing will offer information on obtaining replacement licenses. The Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC) will provide information to assist consumers in protecting themselves and their homes after experiencing flood damage.

Maryland Department of Human Services

* The Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS) has deployed staff, including IT staff, to the Ellicott City Service Center.

* DHS is sending tablets and wireless routers to support their local Department of Social Services workers.

* DHS provided a representative to the State Emergency Operations Center and will continue to provide representation over the next 24-48 hours.

* As with any emergency, the DHS Howard County Department of Social Services is ready to assist with emergency economic benefits such as food (as approved by the state and federal offices) and counseling services.

* The DHS Howard County Department of Social Services will assist as navigators of local and state resources for those who are displaced or in imminent need of both economic and non-economic resources.

* DHS continues to support all statewide communication efforts, relaying information regarding resources and support to any Marylander or visitor impacted by the devastating floods.

* DHS is prepared to provide staffing or resource support for sheltering as requested by the local jurisdiction.

State Department of Assessment and Taxation

* If real property has been damaged by the storm, residents may qualify to have their property assessments reduced. Once it is safe to do so, SDAT assessors will identify affected areas and notify residents to apply for the reduction. Applications are currently available on SDAT's website. Maryland residents can complete the application and email it to their local SDAT Assessment Office. A list of all SDAT offices with contact information can be found here. (http://www.dat.state.md.us/realproperty/pages/maryland-assessment-offices.aspx)

* If you are a resident or business owner in Ellicott City whose real property has been damaged, please contact the Howard County Assessment Office by calling 410-480-7960 or emailing sdat.how@maryland.gov.

* If property owners qualify to have their property assessments reduced, SDAT will coordinate with local governments to ensure any corrected tax bills or refunds are issued in a timely manner.

Maryland Department of Disabilities

* Maryland Department of Disabilities has deployed accessibility kits containing a variety of assistive technology to ensure that survivors have equal access to communication and services.

* Our dedicated Constituent Outreach Department is monitoring disability related requests and is available via phone, online, and social media. Staff are available to provide referrals, references, and coordination for cases involving families and individuals with disabilities.

* Requests for equipment loans can be made through the service center.