Ellicott City Making Progress in Wake of Devastating Flooding

A large portion of Ellicott City’s Main Street was reopened to the public on Tuesday, just three weeks after devastating flooding ravaged the city.

According to a press release:

Effective Tuesday, June 19, Main Street will be reopened to two-way traffic west of Old Columbia Pike and east of Maryland Avenue. Vehicles traveling west on Frederick Road from Baltimore County will now be able to cross the Patapsco River Bridge and turn left onto Maryland Avenue to access St. Paul Street and College Avenue. New Cut Road will remain closed to thru traffic because of flood damage.

“Our public works crews have done a remarkable job repairing the necessary infrastructure to allow us to safely reduce our ‘no access’ footprint on Main Street,” said Kittleman. “I truly appreciate the cooperation and patience of the residents, businesses and property owners while this recovery work was completed.”

…

“By opening this portion of Main Street and these parking lots, we’re helping the businesses and residents who are ready to return,” said Councilmember Jon Weinstein, who represents Ellicott City. “I would remind anyone traveling down Main Street, especially through West End, to use extreme caution and reduce speeds because of the clean-up and recovery work that is continuing.”

On May 28, more than eight inches of rain fell in Ellicott City, triggering deadly flash flooding across the city.

Recent events have reminded not only emergency managers, but all of us, that devastating weather events can strike at any time – and that comprehensive planning is essential for a quick and efficient response. From ruptured water mains to natural floods, no county is immune from water-related emergencies. At this year’s annual MACo Summer Conference, learn how Maryland counties are collaborating with industry professionals to ensure that comprehensive crisis management plans are in place to address these emergencies quickly and efficiently.

Batten Down the Hatches! Weathering a Water Crisis

Description

No county is immune from water-related emergencies. From ruptured water mains to natural floods, counties must work with local water agencies to ensure that comprehensive crisis management plans are in place to address emergencies quickly and efficiently. Using real-life experiences and case studies, this session will cover various aspects of crisis management, including preparing and rehearsing a crisis response plan, creating and maintaining communications with media and residents, and a discussion of best practices from industry professionals and leaders in local government.

Speakers

  • Mark R. Weaver, Esq., Communications Counsel, Inc.
  • Ellen Coren, President & CEO, Chesapeake Public Strategies
  • David McDonough, WSSC Division Manager, Police and Homeland Security
  • Art Shapiro, Bureau of Utilities Chief, Howard County Department of Public Works

Moderator: The Honorable Allan Kittleman, County Executive, Howard County

Date & Time: Thursday, August 16, 2018; 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm

The MACo Summer Conference will be held August 15-18, 2018 at the Rowland Powell Convention Center in Ocean City, Maryland. This year the conference’s theme is “Water, Water Everywhere.”

Learn more about MACo’s Summer Conference: