State Announces $10M for OEC Flood Projects as Federal Funds Remain in Limbo

On Wednesday, Maryland Governor Wes Moore and Howard County Executive Calvin Ball held a press conference in Tiber Park to announce that $10 million in state-backed loan funding will support the next phase of Ellicott City’s flood mitigation efforts.

The funds, administered through the Maryland Department of Emergency Management’s Resilient Maryland Revolving Loan Fund, will support two major projects under Howard County's Ellicott City Safe and Sound Plan: the North Tunnel project and the Maryland Avenue Culvert Project. Both projects are critical to carrying excess stormwater away from downtown, reducing flood depths, and helping protect Ellicott City’s historic Main Street and surrounding neighborhoods from catastrophic flooding events like those of 2016 and 2018.

“When heavy weather strikes in this community, we aren’t just talking about some road closures and bad traffic, but we’re talking about homes damaged, businesses destroyed, and lives lost. That’s why together, we are investing in mitigation and building a state that is more safe and more sound for generations to come,” said Gov. Moore. “At a time when the federal government has cancelled grants to make communities safer and more resilient, Maryland is investing. And this funding is about making smart investments, fortifying our infrastructure, and saving lives.”

The Resilient Maryland Loan Fund offers low-interest loans to local governments for hazard mitigation projects that reduce vulnerabilities to floods, severe storms, extreme heat, wildfires, and other disasters. It also supports planning efforts such as zoning updates, building code improvements, and community resilience hubs, with an emphasis on protecting underserved populations during extreme weather and power outages.

With uncertainty now surrounding sudden federal funding cuts, the state’s commitment provides timely reinforcement for the town’s long-term strategy. FEMA funds, initially slated to support the NC-3 Pond and T-1 Pond projects, are now under review, creating additional challenges.

County Executive Ball noted that while the state funding advances the work, federal support remains a critical part of the broader plan.

“This funding will help us deliver on a promise: to honor those we lost, protect the community we love, and build a safer, stronger Ellicott City,” said County Executive Calvin Ball. “The support from Governor Moore and the State of Maryland demonstrates a shared commitment to long-term solutions. Together, we’re turning tragedy into resilience and creating a model for communities across the country.”

Maryland Department of Emergency Management Secretary Russ Strickland emphasized the importance of this type of investment: “Collaboration isn’t just a best practice, it’s a survival strategy. This is what we can achieve when we commit to mitigation before disaster strikes. These two projects are game changers for flood resilience in Ellicott City, and we’re proud to support them through the Resilient Maryland Loan Fund.”

With steady progress and continued investment, Old Ellicott City’s resilience and revitalization remain strong.