Relief Comes For Families Displaced By Mudslide
FORT WASHINGTON, Md. (WJZ) -- It's been seven months since Fort Washington families in Prince George's County were forced from their homes after a landslide slammed into them.
Now, those families get some good news, financial help is on the way, Mary Bubala reports.
This hillside gave way back in May -- pushing mud and debris into homes and breaking up the street and water lines.
FEMA has awarded Prince George's County, a $2 million federal grant to buy and demolish six homes along Piscataway Drive that were severely affected by the slope failure.
Tracey Rookard who went to numerous town hall meetings is just learning that she will get her fair market value for her home.
"I can't tell you how that makes my day, my evening, my week, my month," Rookard said.
Heavy rain caused the ground, which is mixed with clay to buckle. Trees fell, pavement cracked, water and sewer lines broke -- officials deemed the homes at the top and bottom of the hill unlivable because they're in danger of giving way or being crushed.
"I've been in hotels, I've lived in basements," Rookard said.
The federal money means she can start fresh.
"This $2 million dollars coupled with state resources will try to give the help that these homeowners need," Rep. Steny Hoyer said.
Prince George's County also set aside funds to stabilize the ground around 22 other homes that are affected but are safe enough for families to move back into.