August 2nd, 2016 by WCBC Radio

As part of Maryland’s comprehensive response to recent flooding in Howard County, the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development is offering a number of programs that will help impacted households and business owners, including increased funding or additional flexibility for previously submitted applications to assist the city. This action from the department follows a directive from Governor Larry Hogan earlier this week ordering all state agencies to assist Ellicott City residents and businesses in their recovery efforts from the historic flooding this past weekend. 

“The flood waters have receded, but the real work has just begun, and we will continue to work with Howard County and Ellicott City officials to provide the resources necessary for an effective recovery and rebuilding,” said Governor Hogan. “Helping residents and businesses get back on their feet and ensuring that Ellicott City’s historic main street comes back even stronger will remain a top priority of our administration.”

Ellicott City has requested funding for façade improvement through the Community Legacy Program, and the Department of Housing and Community Development will work with the city in order to increase funding based on damage assessments. Additionally, the department will extend Ellicott City’s application deadline for the Strategic Demolition Fund to enable assistance if needed for this program.

“Our department has a long and successful history of partnership with Ellicott City, particularly through our neighborhood revitalization programs,” said Secretary Kenneth C. Holt. “We will continue to strengthen this partnership as we work together to support business owners and residents during their recovery efforts in the wake of this tragic disaster.”

Specific information on Community Legacy, the Strategic Demolition Fund, and other Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development programs include:

Disaster Relief Housing Program

This program provides financial assistance in a declared emergency area to a family whose primary residence was damaged or destroyed by the disaster. The program will allow 20-year loans at a 0% deferred interest rate to affected and eligible homeowners. The disaster relief financing is based upon the total cost to rebuild or rehabilitate the home, less any Federal Emergency Management Agency recoveries and less any insurance proceeds.