April 11, 2019
Media Contact:
Scott Peterson, Director of Communications, Office of Public Information, 202-277-9412
Due to the timing of the memorial service for Maryland Speaker of the House Michael Busch, County Executive Ball has moved the Ellicott City Safe and Sound Phase 2 announcement to April 17th
ELLICOTT CITY – Howard County Executive Calvin Ball will now announce Phase 2 of his Ellicott City “Safe and Sound” flood mitigation and public safety plan on Wednesday April 17, 2019 at 11:30 AM at Su Casa (8307 Main St, Ellicott City, MD 21043). The date was moved to respect the memorial service for Maryland Speaker of the House Michael Busch.
A public meeting has been scheduled for May 2, 2019 in the Howard High School cafeteria, 8700 Old Annapolis Road in Ellicott City, at 7:00 p.m. to provide an opportunity for community input on the plan’s second phase.
Ball announced Phase 1 of the plan in December. That phase featured four critical components: ensuring public safety, supporting business and property owners, keeping Ellicott City’s historic charm, and developing an inclusive, community-driven process.
“I appreciate the extensive participation and input from the community during the last several months,” said Ball. “Ellicott City remains one of Howard County’s most important cultural and economic resources and its safety and security are critical to our County’s future. We are working together as a unified Howard County to address the multiple challenges facing this very special place.”
Since Phase 1 was announced, the County has launched a focused EC Safe and Sound website, purchased a temporary emergency alert system for Ellicott City, held public meetings to assist property owners with applying for flood mitigation grants funds, created an Ellicott City Community Development Corporation exploration committee, and conducted two enhanced stream debris removal actions in nine waterways following severe weather. In the first removal action alone, nearly 14,000 pounds of tree branches, logs, stumps, cinder blocks and other metal was removed. Removal of debris as part of the second action is still underway.
Additionally, Ball testified in both the Maryland House of Delegates and Senate in support of the Comprehensive Flood Management Grant Program, which was passed this session. It will authorize the Maryland Department of the Environment to award grants to subdivisions that incurred infrastructure damage caused by a flood on or after January 1, 2009. The legislation from Delegate Courtney Watson and Senator Fry Hester, can be found here.