Lawmakers call for disaster funds in wake of Baltimore riots

Maryland lawmakers are pressing President Obama to issue a major disaster declaration for Baltimore in the wake of riots late last month.

“Given the massive impact that the situation in Baltimore is having on the state’s resources, we respectfully request that you urgently approve Federal assistance,” members of the state’s congressional delegation wrote in a letter to Obama, which was sent on Tuesday but released Wednesday.

The letter was signed by Maryland Democratic Sens. Barbara Mikulski and Ben Cardin, as well as Democratic Reps. Steny Hoyer, Elijah Cummings, Chris Van Hollen, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Donna Edwards and John Delaney.

The lawmakers also offered “strong support” for Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan’s (R) request for the major disaster declaration for Baltimore.

The request comes after protests and riots broke out in Baltimore following last month’s funeral for Freddie Gray, a 25-year-old black man who died while in police custody. The violence left buildings and cars damaged.

If Obama declares a major disaster, the state would be eligible for funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

The lawmakers said the agency has already received a preliminary assessment for $19 million, adding that the declaration is needed “to address emergency protective measures and public buildings.”

They warned, without additional funding, other public services could be impacted, “given an already strained state budget environment.”