Courtney Watson - State Delegate

08/17/2026

Thank you Baltimore magazine for an accurate and uplifting story on historic Ellicott City and the remarkable success of efforts to create a vibrant and resilient town after the 2016 and 2018 floods. Big thanks to the community stakeholders and Howard County Government and Howard County Executive Calvin Ball and for the commitment and dedication to preserving this 250 year old town.

Thanks to resilient business owners, neighbors, and community leaders, Ellicott City—hit hard by two floods and the economic toll of the pandemic—is now experiencing a renaissance.

08/13/2026

School will be back in session in the next few weeks.

08/12/2026

After every major storm….county workers are clearing the waterways. Part of keeping Ellicott City Safe and Sound. Thank you Howard County Government

08/12/2026

Visit Team 9 at the Howard County Fair through Saturday!

07/31/2026

Happy Anniversary Sweet Elizabeth Jane! Congratulations to Tammy Galvin Beideman and team for 15 years in business and infinite contributions to our Ellicott City community. Tammy is what resilience looks like - proud to have stood with her all these years!

07/30/2026

07/30/2026

Ten years, ten milestones.

Ten years after the devastating July 30, 2016 flood, the work to make Historic Ellicott City safer can be measured through completed projects, stronger emergency systems, and major construction now underway.

Through Ellicott City Safe and Sound, we have:

1. Secured more than $350 million with support from our local, state, and federal partners for flood mitigation and related improvements.
2. Installed the Outdoor Tone Alert System to strengthen emergency communication.
3. Added High Ground Action Signs and access points throughout Historic Ellicott City.
4. Completed the H-7 flood mitigation pond.
5. Completed the Quaker Mill flood mitigation pond.
6. Completed the H-4 flood mitigation pond, bringing the three ponds’ combined stormwater capacity to more than 13 million gallons.
7. Established post-storm inspections and debris removal at 56 critical waterway locations.
8. Removed four Lower Main Street buildings to create more room for the stream channel.
9. Preserved portions of six additional historic buildings for renovation and renewed use that were previously slated for destruction.
10. Advanced construction of the nearly mile-long North Tunnel, which will divert up to 26,000 gallons of stormwater per second away from Main Street when complete.

07/30/2026

May they rest in peace.

07/29/2026

The town has never been better! There are so many new shops and restaurants, so much investment, so many people visiting and providing significant tax revenue for Howard County. Thank you to County Executive Calvin Ball for making the decisions necessary to implement the Safe and Sound Plan. Future generations will benefit from his dedication to historic Ellicott City. Katie Fry Hester, Maryland Senate D9 and I have been proud to bring home more than $70 million to fund the Safe and Sound plan.

Ten years after the devastating July 30, 2016 flood, a recent Baltimore Banner story looks back at the lives, businesses, and difficult decisions that have shaped Historic Ellicott City’s remarkable recovery.

The article shares the experience of Matt and Lexi Milani, owners of the former Rumor Mill Fusion Bar & Restaurant. The Milanis ultimately decided that returning was not worth the risk, illustrating how the trauma of the 2011, 2016 and 2018 floods continues to affect former and current business owners.

The story also examines the historic investment behind Ellicott City Safe and Sound. Since establishing the impactful plan, we have secured more than $350 million for flood mitigation and related improvements and completed three of five planned stormwater retention ponds. Together, the three completed ponds can hold more than 13 million gallons of stormwater during severe weather.

Construction is also advancing on the largest public works project in Howard County history. An engineering marvel, that some said couldn’t be done, the North Tunnel will extend nearly one mile beneath Ellicott City and divert up to 26,000 gallons of stormwater per second away from Main Street and into the Patapsco River when completed.

Our comprehensive approach encompasses major infrastructure and much more. We have installed outdoor warning systems and high-ground signage, inspect 56 critical waterway locations following major storms, and expanded the Lower Main Street stream channel while preserving portions of six historic buildings for renewed use.

Today, new businesses are opening, the farmers market regularly brings visitors to Tiber Park, and investments such as the free Old Ellicott City Trolley are helping more people experience Main Street. These signs of renewed confidence reflect the determination of those who continue investing in this historic community.

Read the full Baltimore Banner story here: https://tinyurl.com/57tr9w6h

07/20/2026