Feds OK Ellicott City Disaster Declaration Request

ELLICOTT CITY, MD — The day after Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan requested federal disaster aid from the U.S. Small Business Administration, he got word that Ellicott City would have it.

“We are very pleased that the federal government responded so quickly to our request for disaster aid,” Hogan said Wednesday. “We are continuing our ongoing discussions with Howard County on what work has to be done. Whatever resources we have as a state, Howard County will have.”

The state has been involved in the flood recovery after 6.5 inches of rain fell in Ellicott City on July 30, killing two and ravaging Main Street. The governor declared a state of emergency on July 31, allowing state aid to flow through to help Howard County recover.

Multiple state agencies have been involved, including those helping home and business owners file property and casualty insurance claims.

Hogan asked the Small Business Administration for assistance on Tuesday. News of the approval came Wednesday while Hogan and Howard County Executive Allan H. Kittleman were touring Main Street in Ellicott City, where the governor thanked county employees for their service in the storm's aftermath.

Disaster aid from the U.S. Small Business Administration will assist both residents and merchants impacted by the flood, according to Kittleman.

“This opens up a new avenue of financial aid for the people who live or own a business in Ellicott City,” said Kittleman. “We are tremendously grateful for our state and federal partners who worked diligently with us to be eligible for this small business loan program.”

Related: Physical Disaster Declaration Requested for Ellicott City

The Small Business Administration’s customer service representatives will be available at the Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC) co-located at the Disaster Assistance Center at the Ellicott City 50+ Center at 9401 Frederick Road to answer questions about the disaster loan program and help individuals complete their applications beginning at 8:30 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 12.

Regular hours will be 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 13 and Sunday, Aug. 14; weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 20, and Sunday, Aug. 21.

Access to Main Street for continued cleanup efforts will resume Saturday, Aug. 13, and Sunday, Aug. 14, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Please look for details and safety instructions online in the next couple days. The Disaster Assistance Center will be open on Thursday, Aug. 13, and Friday, Aug. 14, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to assist residents, businesses and property owners, including issuing credentials to any who have not already received them.

Photo Credit: Elizabeth Janney.