The agreement reached between County Executive Ball and Governor Hogan culminates nearly six years of negotiations, allowing construction of the Waterloo Fire Station.
April 24, 2019
Media Contact:
Scott Peterson, Director of Communications, Office of Public Information, 202-277-9412
ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Today, the Maryland Board of Public Works approved the purchase of state property that will be used to construct a Waterloo Fire Station, the first new fire station in the eastern part of the county since 1994. The agreement reached between County Executive Ball and Governor Hogan culminates nearly six years of negotiations and will allow for construction to begin. The state only charged the county one dollar for the land, so that $3.5 million in cost savings could be used to fund flood mitigation projects in Ellicott City.
“This purchase is an important win-win for public safety in Howard County,” said Ball. “We will be able to improve our emergency response services, while also investing in a safer future for Ellicott City. I want to express my appreciation to Governor Hogan for partnering with us to make this deal happen. I also want to thank Comptroller Franchot and Treasurer Kopp for supporting this important project.”
The almost 6-acre site at 7777 Washington Boulevard in Jessup will house the new fire station, urgently needed to support the growth of residential housing in the area and provide the best possible emergency response time. The station will be strategically located to improve response times to all emergencies in the areas of Waterloo, Jessup, East Columbia, and surrounding communities. The station will be modestly sized to accommodate both emergency medical service units and fire suppression apparatus.
“Our administration has a strong record of supporting Maryland’s law enforcement, fire and rescue, emergency services personnel, and correctional officers across the state,” said Governor Hogan. “With today’s approval, Howard County will be able to construct the first new fire station in the eastern part of the county in 25 years, supporting vital emergency services and allowing for additional funding for flood mitigation in Ellicott City."