Howard County hearing draws hundreds as council considers $15.8 million Ellicott City flood-mitigation package

The Howard County Council heard more than five hours of public testimony as residents, business owners and technical experts debated a five‑year Ellicott City flood‑mitigation plan and related emergency funding proposals that would move forward roughly $15.7–15.8 million in appropriations and an authorized borrowing measure.

Supporters who live and work in Old Ellicott City urged the council to approve the funding immediately, saying the plan — which combines upstream retention projects, channel widening and the acquisition of several buildings along Lower Main Street — is the best near‑term chance to reduce fast, life‑threatening flash floods. “These plans reduce the chance of flooding, so we still will feel afraid, but we will have no reason to be,” said sixth‑grader Eli Woodruff, who testified in favor of the…