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Debate over interjurisdictional flood-management bill pits flood-resilience advocates against housing and development groups
Summary
Lawmakers heard opposing testimony on SB 225, which would designate specified watersheds as interjurisdictional flood-hazard areas to improve coordinated planning; proponents said it fills permitting gaps and protects downstream communities, while opponents warned the bill is vague and could delay or halt affordable housing and other development.
The House Environment and Transportation Committee on April 2, 2026 heard extensive testimony on Senate Bill 225, a measure to designate several watersheds as interjurisdictional flood hazard watersheds and require coordinated flood-management planning across local jurisdictions and the Maryland Department of the Environment.
Supporters told the committee the measure aims to close planning gaps that allow upstream development to increase downstream flooding. Winnie Carpenter, representing Oella Catonsville Flood Solutions, urged a favorable report and asked the committee to include the Patapsco River, saying fragmented permitting and funding between neighboring counties leaves downstream communities exposed. Christiane Marguerite, a resident of Southeast Baltimore City, said runoff from upstream development in Baltimore County is already increasing flooding…
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