Trump Signs Disaster Assistance for D.C. After Critical Sewer Collapse

On Saturday, President Donald Trump approved Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser’s request for federal disaster assistance as the nation’s capital works to clean up the Potomac River following a sewer line collapse that began on January 19.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced disaster assistance is now available for emergency conditions resulting from the collapse. Trump’s action authorizes FEMA to coordinate disaster relief efforts focused on protecting public health and safety, safeguarding property, and reducing threats of further catastrophe. The assistance applies to the District of Columbia and areas in Maryland and Virginia where the District has responsibilities.

FEMA stated it is authorized to identify, mobilize, and provide equipment and resources as needed. Emergency protective measures under the Public Assistance program are limited to direct federal assistance and funded at 75% federal cost share. The administration designated Mark K. O’Hanlon as the federal coordinating officer for response operations in the affected area, with FEMA noting additional designations could be made later if requested and supported by damage assessments.

Mayor Bowser declared a local public emergency on Wednesday and sought support from the Trump administration for a 15-day order. In her declaration, she directed emergency and city officials to “activate, implement, and coordinate mutual aid agreements between the District of Columbia and federal, state, or local jurisdictions as needed.” Bowser also contacted Trump directly, requesting he declare a major disaster and authorize 100% federal reimbursement for costs incurred by the District and DC Water.

The incident involves DC Water’s Potomac Interceptor, which ruptured last month. This rupture resulted in an estimated 243 million gallons of untreated wastewater flowing into the Potomac River through January 24. DC Water erected a temporary bypass pipeline to prevent further contamination, with repairs expected to take four to six weeks.

President Trump has blamed local officials in D.C. and Maryland for the spill, noting the portion of the interceptor that collapsed was in Montgomery County, Maryland. The incident intensified a public dispute between Trump and Maryland Governor Wes Moore, who pressed the administration for FEMA funding. Wes Moore’s spokesperson, Ammar Moussa, accused Trump of misstating key facts about responsibility for the interceptor and claimed the administration failed to act quickly enough after the leak began.

Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger stated on Friday that the Trump administration is coordinating with local authorities to fix the broken underground pipe. “Amid the response, our state agencies are conducting water quality testing and monitoring the status of repairs,” she said. Spanberger added, “Our focus is on Virginians’ health and safety.”