Ellicott City 'Safe And Sound' Flood Plan Introduced By Ball

ELLICOTT CITY, MD — To preserve the history and economy in Ellicott City while protecting public safety, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball rolled out a plan he called "Safe and Sound" for the historic downtown. It outlines new initiatives to bolster public safety and suggests a diversion from the previous administration's plan to demolish 10 buildings in lower Main Street.

"Safe and Sound" calls for creating an ombudsman position in Ellicott City; starting a pilot grant program for residents and business owners working to mitigate flooding; seeking state funding for flood-related efforts; and exploring options for flood mitigation options that do not require demolition.

Immediately, Ball issued orders to improve emergency alert systems through targeted messaging and technology and continuing with efforts underway to increase the watershed's stormwater retention capacity.

More frequent inspections and debris clearing are new elements of the plan, specifically nine waterways that have been identified as receiving heavy debris during storm events, Ball said.

Ball announced the "Safe and Sound" plan on Thursday, Dec. 27, exactly seven months after flood waters inundated the Main Street district, leaving one dead. It was the second fatal flood in as many years for Ellicott City.

“The leaders of this county have been aware of the challenges that the geography, topography, and infrastructure of Ellicott City have posed for decades,” Ball said at a press conference at Tersiguel's restaurant in the 8200 block of Main Street.

“Ellicott City is one of Howard County’s most important economic resources. Its safety and security are critical to our county’s future prosperity," Ball said. "I am pleased to announce 'Safe and Sound,' a flood mitigation and public safety plan for Ellicott City.”

Read about Phase One of the Safe and Sound plan from Howard County government.

Here is the press conference where the plan was announced:

SEE ALSO:

• Ellicott City Flood: 'Devastated, Heartbroken' By Roaring Waters
• Police Identify 2 People Killed in Ellicott City Flood
• Scenes From Flooded Ellicott City: Video And Photos
• Ellicott City Flood 911 Calls: 'There's Water In The Building'
• Flood Calls From 2016: 'The Floor's Buckling"

Photos by Elizabeth Janney.