By Lynda Myer
The US Environmental Protection Agency has presented a US$75m loan in order to implement the Maryland flood resilience scheme, which includes a 1,525m tunnel.
Upgrading water infrastructure in Ellicott City and protecting its Main Street from flooding, will be the advantages of the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act loan for Howard County.
According to congressman John Sarbanes: “As our country increasingly faces extreme weather events due to climate change, Ellicott City is leading the way in repairing the damage from the past and making cities safer for the future. With state and federal dollars – like the funds announced today – and local engagement and collaboration, the North Tunnel will reduce flooding, protect residents and businesses and preserve this community’s rich history for generations to come.
Following the city’s experience in several devastating 1,000-year floods between 2016 and 2018, Howard County is implementing its Ellicott City Safe and Sound Plan. Providing resilient infrastructure, managing stream debris, as well as raising green space, the plan’s projects are due to decrease the impact of flooding. Additionally, the measures include the building of a tunnel that is going to intercept stormwater from the Hudson Branch to the Patapsco River.
Stretching parallel to Main Street at depths of up to 30.5m, this 5.4m diameter tunnel will run will carry 118,200 liters of stormwater per second away from the city’s streets.
