April 9, 2019
Media Contact:
Scott Peterson, Director of Communications, Office of Public Information, 202-277-9412
Howard County Executive Calvin Ball and Howard County State Delegation tout teamwork in securing state funds to help protect against flooding in Ellicott City.
ANNAPOLIS, MD – County Executive Ball announced today that the 2020 state capital budget includes $3.4 million in funds for Ellicott City’s Safe and Sound plan.
“I want to thank Del. Courtney Watson, Sen. Katie Hester, and the entire Howard County state delegation for their hard work on behalf of Ellicott City and our whole community,” said Ball. “This legislation will bring significant state dollars to help flood-damaged areas of Howard County and enhance our ability to manage flooding. The grant funding could be used for infrastructure repairs, debris removal, and emergency protection work associated with a flood. We can have the best plans to help Ellicott City, but the extra funding from the state helps fast track projects to divert floodwaters from Main Street.”
“This was a team effort, everyone played a role,” said Del. Watson. “Our goal is to make sure the state continues to set aside funding to help not only Ellicott City, but other areas affected by flooding.”
In addition, a bill (HB 428) succeeded in securing a minimum of $8 million spread out over three years to fund the Comprehensive Flood Mitigation Fund, prioritizing historic districts affected by flooding. The legislation was filed by freshman Delegate Courtney Watson, with the bipartisan co-sponsorship of Delegate Warren Miller and Delegate Trent Kittleman. Senator Katie Hester cross filed the bill and worked to make sure it passed in the Senate. Ball traveled to Annapolis multiple times to testify in favor of the legislation as it wound its way through the process. The bill takes effect June 1, 2019 and can be read here. To view County Executive Ball’s testimony for this bill, please click here.
Sen. Hester, who volunteered in Ellicott City after the 2018 flood said, “I saw firsthand how devastating these events can be to families, small businesses and historic buildings. At the same time, Marylanders are incredibly strong and resilient. To me, refilling this grant fund is about the future: smart rebuilding and innovative new partnerships to prevent future catastrophes.”
County Executive Ball will release information about Phase 2 of the Safe and Sound Plan on April 16th.