On July 31st, devastating flash floods, triggered by unusually torrential rains, rampaged through Ellicott City, leaving two people dead and over 200 buildings damaged or destroyed in this 244-year-old river town. On Thursday, August 18th, many residents were allowed for the first time to return briefly to their homes and businesses along historic Main Street. Residents will have until Monday to clean up and retrieve their belongings. Then the street will be closed to the public as work crews begin an intensive, 3-month program of cleanup, repair and rebuilding.
The State Board of Public Works also announced that it will make $2.5 million in low to no-interest loans available for small businesses and residents in Ellicott City.
Howard County Executive Allan Kittleman joins Tom by phone for an update on Ellicott City’s recovery efforts.
Watch a Howard County Government-produced video of the extensive cleanup, restoration and repair work that has begun in Ellicott’s historic downtown area in the aftermath of the devastating July 31 flash flood.
