The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a $75 million Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loan to Howard County, Md., to mitigate flood risk.
The WIFIA loan will support the Ellicott City Safe and Sound Plan projects, which aim to upgrade water infrastructure along Ellicott City’s Main Street.
“The people of Ellicott City have endured severe flooding and know all too well how disastrous it can be when water infrastructure fails,” said EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Radhika Fox. “Through WIFIA, EPA is investing in climate resilience to protect residents, businesses, property, and the history of this charming city.”
Howard County is pursuing the comprehensive Ellicott City Safe and Sound Plan after experiencing several devastating 1000-year floods between 2016 and 2018. The plan’s projects will greatly reduce the impact of flooding in Ellicott City by providing resilient infrastructure, managing stream debris, and increasing green space.
The projects include construction of dry flood mitigation facilities, improvements to flood mitigation for the Lower Main Street area, planning and hydraulic modeling efforts, and construction of a tunnel that will intercept stormwater from the Hudson Branch to the Patapsco River. By implementing these projects, Howard County will protect Ellicott City’s public safety, preserve the historic and cultural value of Main Street, and encourage economic development.
“The Environmental Protection Agency and our federal delegation are incredible partners in our efforts to implement an effective flood mitigation plan for Ellicott City, making our community Safe and Sound,” said Howard County Executive Calvin Ball. “Building resiliency so our historic community can thrive and withstand future challenges has been an important priority, and $167 million have been dedicated in federal, state and local funds over several years to implement our plan. We completed alert systems and are building water retention areas, and will now be able to move ahead on an innovative tunnel project that will help reduce the level of stormwater threatening homes and buildings. We are grateful to all who are working together to accomplish these important goals.”
Howard County will save approximately $13 million by financing with WIFIA loans. Construction is expected to be completed in 2026, and construction and operation are estimated to create approximately 900 jobs.
