Today we are committing $3.8 million in flood remediation projects aimed at mitigating future flooding issues in Ellicott City's Main Street, West End and Valley Mede communities.

 

The six projects range from retaining wall reconstruction and streambank stabilization to targeted watershed studies. The projects also include a $1.7 million Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) grant to repair walls damaged by a July 30 flash flood that dropped six inches of rain on the Ellicott City area in less than two hours.

 

These projects are tangible steps we're taking to make things better in locations more susceptible to flooding. While studies such as the hydrologic and hydraulic assessment will be important in helping us develop long-term mitigation plans, we already have identified some areas where we can take steps quickly. As the recovery planning process gets underway, it is important to use the funds available to work on these high-impact projects.

 

Several of the projects could begin by the end of the 2016 calendar year and, weather permitting, could be completed by late spring or early summer of 2017.

 

The NRCS grant will be used to reconstruct a retaining wall between parking lots E and F, a stream wall behind Precious Gifts near Old Columbia Pike and a stream wall at the Ellicott Mills Brewing Company near Court Avenue. This work is scheduled to be completed by next summer.

 

Also in the Main Street Ellicott City area and in the West End, projects will include clearing debris from the Hudson Stream channel and rebuilding a retaining wall that collapsed during the flood near 8611 Main Street.

 

In Valley Mede, the county will begin a project in 2017 to stabilize a streambank along Longview Drive that eroded significantly during the July 30 storm. That project is expected to be completed in late 2017 or early 2018. The county will also conduct a joint study with the State Highway Administration to evaluate existing culverts along Route 40 as well as within the Valley Mede community and then make necessary culvert improvements.

 

I made a commitment when I took office to address these flooding issues in Ellicott City. It's a quality of life issue for those who live here and I am committed to making sure we move forward with these critical projects to strengthen our infrastructure for future storm events.

 

In May 2015, I signed an executive order establishing the Flood Workgroup to address long-term flood mitigation efforts, working with County Councilman Jon Weinstein to appoint 10 members. I also included $2.5 million in the capital budget in fiscal year 2016 and another $1.8 million in fiscal year 2017 for flood mitigation

 

I will be walking the streambank with residents in Valley Mede at the intersection of Longview Drive and Brookmeade on Thursday, Oct. 13 at 11 a.m. to review the sites and discuss these projects.