The Maryland Board of Public Works yesterday approved more than $2 million in grants to protect Ellicott City from flooding.
The board – composed of Governor Larry Hogan, Treasurer Nancy K. Kopp, and Comptroller Peter Franchot – approved a total of $2,108,644 in grants to Howard County.
The grant will fund the Quaker Mill Mitigation Pond project, which will expand and improve a stormwater pond in Ellicott City.
The pond, located at the intersection of Rogers Avenue and Patapsco River, will capture and reduce the flow of water from an adjacent stream and redirect runoff.
Ellicott City is particularly vulnerable to natural disasters because of its geological makeup and the geography of the town itself.
Back in May 2018, a severe rainstorm caused flash floods that destroyed roads and buildings and killed one person.
It was the second torrential storm to cause flash floods in Ellicott City in two years.
In July 2016, heavy rains caused flash floods that engulfed Main Street and killed two people.
“This investment represents a critical step in helping downtown Ellicott City avoid the catastrophic flooding experienced in recent years,” said Maryland Environment Secretary Ben Grumbles in a statement yesterday.
“With climate change bringing wilder and wetter weather, it is more important than ever to support water infrastructure improvements that make Ellicott City and other Maryland communities safer and more resilient,” he said.
