In this Edition:
COVID-19 Vaccine Updates
Community Updates
COVID-19 Relief
Government Updates
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Dear Friends,
Last week, we officially marked 11 months since we saw the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in Howard County. Although vaccine distribution has started, it’s important that we continue to remain vigilant in our mitigation efforts. To date in Howard County, we have 15,569 confirmed cases of COVID-19, 8,298 active cases, 7,051 total recoveries, and 220 of our neighbors have passed from this virus. We're keeping these families in our hearts.
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As of 9:00 a.m. today and according to the Maryland Department of Health, our 7-day average positivity rate is at 4.0% and our 7-day average case rate per 100,000 of our population is at 11.1. Both our positivity and case rates are below the state averages, and our rates are within the lower third of all jurisdictions.
We have proudly surpassed our goal of administering 6,500 tests per week for 31 consecutive weeks. Residents are encouraged to still get tested if they think they may have been exposed to COVID-19. For a full list of all our locations, please visit hchealth.org
Another HoCo RISE goal was to ensure adequate hospital capacity in the case of a surge. We are strong partners with the Howard County General Hospital and continue to monitor their staffing capacity. Currently, there are 33 staffed ICU beds (14 available), and 179 acute care beds (28 available). Today, there are 19 COVID-19 patients in both ICU and Acute Care unit.
Additionally, while we have surpassed our PPE goal of a 30-day, and now have maintained a 90-day supply of PPE.
The Howard County Health Department is actively making its way through Phase 1A and 1B as well as older adults in Phase 1C as supply becomes available. As of yesterday, we have received 18,725 first doses and administered 111.3%. The percentage is over 100% due to the weeks that we received the Pfizer vaccine and were able to generate more doses from the allotment. Last week, we learned our Health Department will receive 1,700 doses each week for the next four weeks. However, due to the winter weather, our 1,700 first doses for this week were not delivered and have been delayed.
This decreased allocation to the Howard County Health Department represents the State’s continued transition from local health departments vaccinating their communities to regional State-run mass vax clinics, retail pharmacies, and hospital operating clinics. Residents in Phases 1A, 1B, and 1C are encouraged by the State to register for a vaccine at these sites by using the State vaccine locator.
All phases, 1A, 1B, 1C, 2, and 3, can pre-register for a vaccine with the Howard County Health Department at vaccine.howardcountymd.gov or by calling 410-313-6284. Pre-registering does not schedule an appointment but provides your contact information to the Health Department, so you may be notified when appointments are available. All vaccinations at this time are by appointment only. Not everyone will get appointments immediately until we have enough vaccine, and we do not have enough vaccine. Residents who have preregistered will be notified by email over the next several days to schedule an appointment. Appointments are required, and persons should arrive no sooner than 10 minutes prior to their appointment time.
We can only end this pandemic by working together, we must continue practices that we all know at this point - wear a mask around people not in your household, avoid gatherings of large groups, keep your distance, and wash your hands.
Let's StayCOVIDSafe Howard County!
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Howard County Vaccine Distribution Update
We know how many people are relying on a vaccine to return to normal life, to see their family and friends, and to be less isolated. We will continue to keep our community informed and advocate for additional vaccine for all.
Please join us tomorrow, Tuesday, February 23, at 11:00 a.m. for a press conference where we will provide a COVID-19 vaccine distribution update.
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Howard County Vaccine Distribution Process
We are efficiently administering the vaccine with approximately 100% of received vaccines administered by the end of each week. Please note, the phases are determined by the Governor, and are subject to change based upon State guidance. For questions about specific phases and where you may qualify, please call the State's COVID line at 1-855-634-6829.
Residents who have preregistered will be notified by email to schedule an appointment, as supply becomes available. Appointments are required, and persons should arrive no sooner than 10 minutes prior to their appointment time.
Please note, the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services' Mobile Integrated Community Health (MICH) team will focus on vaccinating specific homebound at-risk adults as identified by the Howard County Health Department. If you believe you are in need of MICH in-home COVID-19 vaccination accommodations, please complete one of the pre-registrations below marking the appropriate area for MICH consideration. The Howard County Health Department can provide further information at 410-313-6284.
Phase 1A
Phase 1A includes all licensed healthcare providers, correctional officers, law enforcement agencies, and frontline judiciary staff. The Health Department estimates there are up to 15,000 people in this group. Healthcare providers can register here.
We are currently scheduling appointments and vaccinating those in this phase.
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Phase 1C
We are currently pre-registering those who fall under this phase, and the Health Department estimates there are approximately 100,000 people in this phase.
Residents ages 65-74: Some residents under this group will be vaccinated as supply allows. Proof of residence in Howard County will be required to receive the vaccination.
All other groups under phase 1C can register here. This phase includes:
- Essential healthcare workers not in 1A
- Critical manufacturing workers
- U.S. Postal Service and mass public transit workers
- Veterinarian and support staff
- Clergy/other essential staff for houses of worship
- Food/agriculture production workers
- Grocery store and food bank workers
- Certain Immunocompromised individuals (the Maryland Department of Health provides specific definitions and categories for this group. Please refer to Covidvax.maryland.gov)
Phase 2
We are currently pre-registering those who fall under this phase. Completing this survey DOES NOT pre-register you for a vaccination clinic. This survey provides the Health Department with your information so that once vaccination clinics are available for this group, we can contact you. This phase includes:
- Residents 16-64 years old with medical conditions
- Critical utility workers
- Transportation and logistic workers
- Food service workers
Phase 3
We are currently pre-registering those who fall under this phase. Completing this survey DOES NOT pre-register you for a vaccination clinic. This survey provides the Health Department with your information so that once vaccination clinics are available for this group, we can contact you. This phase includes the general population, which is other Howard County residents or workers ages 16-64 years old, including healthy workers. |
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COVID-19 Vaccine Scams
As residents begin registering and receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, it's important to be cautious of any scams. Receiving unsolicited offers for a vaccine can raise several red flags that should not go unnoticed. To stay safe, please know these warning signs of a possible scam and only follow trusted sources for vaccine information.
If you believe you are the victim of a scam, please contact the Office of Consumer Protection at (410) 313-6420
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Additional Vaccine Locations
The Governor has directed the Maryland Health Department to allocate vaccines in four groups: County Health Departments, hospitals/healthcare systems, private sector providers, and State Mass Vaccination sites. Each of these groups are responsible for administering the vaccine that is received through the phases set by the Governor.
As of yesterday, the Howard County Health Department has received 18,725 vaccine first doses since the first allocation of 100 doses on December 23rd. In addition to vaccination clinics administered by the Howard County Health Department, residents may visit any of these additional locations to receive a vaccine. These locations are administering vaccines to those in Phases 1A, 1B, and 1C, and appointments are required. The State has encouraged residents to register to receive a vaccine at locations that may have additional supply.
There are more than 100 private providers across the State who are administering the vaccine. Here are a select few in Howard County. For more information and to register, please visit COVIDVax.Maryland.gov
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Reaching our Older Adults
The Office on Aging and Independence (OAI) is working to increase vaccine communications with phone calls, online information, signage and flyers posted throughout 55+ communities, senior residences or apartment buildings, assisted living facilities, healthcare providers and commercial areas, through traditional mail, and even through COVID-safe in-person direct community engagement.
Bilingual staff is available to assist those with limited English proficiency who may need support signing up for vaccination or to answer questions. Translated documents are available on the Department of Community Resources and Services website in Korean, Chinese, Hindi, and Spanish, and there are resources available to assist those who are visually or hearing impaired.
For residents without access to the internet or who may not be comfortable with using technology, please call the State's Vaccine call center at 1 (855) 634-6829.
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Howard County Restrictions Update
Howard County has seen a consistent decline in our key metrics over the past two weeks, and we’re very grateful to our residents and businesses who have taken precautions throughout this winter surge to slow the spread the virus. Last week, we announced capacity restrictions on recreational sports and programs, wedding receptions, and social and fraternal organizations will be relaxed to match current State standards, as of February 19, 2021.
The decision to relax restrictions on events follows significant decreases in Howard County’s positivity rate and case rate per 100,000 residents, currently at 3.8% and 13.2 cases, respectively. Last week, Howard County’s 7-day average positivity rate fell below 4% for the first time since November 8th.
Please note, gathering limits are still in effect for other social gatherings such as family gatherings, parties, cookouts, parades, festivals, conventions, fundraisers, other gatherings not associated with operating or patronizing a business that sells merchandise.
This is a step in the right direction and we must stay vigilant to keep our data trending downward. After nearly a year with this pandemic, we all know the mitigation measures we must continue, wearing our masks, keeping our distance, washing our hands, and when it becomes available to you, getting a vaccine.
For more information, please click here. |
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NACo Call with the White House
The quick and effective distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine requires all levels of government be in constant communication and work collaboratively. I was honored to participate in a National Association of Counties call with White House officials. The three officials, Intergovernmental Affairs Senior Advisor Luke McGowan, COVID-19 Intergovernmental Affairs Director Eduardo Cisneros, and White House Vaccine Coordinator Dr. Bechara Choucair discussed vaccine supply and equitable distribution.
We’re encouraged by the active role the Biden Administration is taking in communicating more directly with local governments, and ensuring we have the resources to equitably get shots in arms. We’ve already seen progress with earlier notification of how many doses we will receive each week, and we’ll continue to push for additional doses for our community.
They also noted how vital it is to hear directly from local communities and understand any problems on the ground. I plan to participate in these calls bi-weekly, and ask Howard County residents to send questions for the White House Vaccination Team to cball@howardcountymd.gov that I can direct to officials in the coming weeks. Residents should put “Question for White House Vax Team” in subject line of their emails. The next call is scheduled for March 4th
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Ellicott City Safe and Sound Update
Although it's been a challenging year, we have continued to make progress on our Ellicott City Safe and Sound plan. In case you missed it, you can watch our comprehensive update on our efforts to keep Ellicott City safe and sound here. |
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Paycheck Protection Program Webinar
How much can I borrow?
What eligible expenses can my PPP loan be used for?
What are the terms?
Join regional financial advisors and I on March 1st at 1:30 p.m. for an informative webinar on the Paycheck Protection Program and get your questions answered about applying for PPP loans for your business. I encourage local business owners to register today here. |
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Maryland RELIEF Act
The Comptroller of Maryland began disbursing direct stimulus payments to more than 422,000 Marylanders who are eligible under the RELIEF Act. If you claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit in Tax Year 2019 and are a Maryland resident as of February 12, you are eligible for this payment. Additionally, small businesses may apply for relief funds and tax credits under this act.
For more information, please click here or call 1-833-345-0787. |
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Congrats Young Women Eagle Scouts!
Congratulations to the inaugural class of young women Eagle Scouts! The Baltimore Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America is one of the leading Council’s in the nation with 14 young women a part of the inaugural class, and six from Howard County.
The work ethic, dedication, and leadership instilled in scouts is long-lasting, and achieving the rank of Eagle Scout is nothing short of extraordinary. We're so proud to have the young women in our community paving the way for many more scouts. Read more about them here. |
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Celebrating Black History Month - Police Chief Lisa Myers
Black History Month is typically a time for us to join in honoring the historic achievements and contributions to our community and our world by people of African descent. It’s a time when we acknowledge our past, honor our present, and inspire our future.
In Howard County, we have many change makers who seek to do just that like Howard County Police Department Chief Lisa Myers.
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State of Business
It has been a challenging year for many due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but most of all, for our local businesses. Join me and the Howard County Chamber on February 24th, 2021 for my annual State of Business address. Get your tickets today here!
During this speech, we want to ensure we’re hearing directly from businesses. Please take a moment to complete a brief survey, and items submitted may be incorporated into the Chamber’s questions. Take it now here. |
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HoCo RISE Business Grants - Round III
Over the past 11 months, we’ve seen our business community adapt, shift on a dime, and work through the challenges of this pandemic. But amid nearly a year of uncertainty, and an unpredictable future, our business community has been through the wringer.
Since July, we have provided more than $13.5 million in CARES Act Funding to our restaurants, small-retailers, farms, hotels, live venues, and childcare providers - but we’re not stopping there. Last week, we announced more than $5 million in additional grants to support our small businesses, hotels, and restaurants.
Grants for small businesses and restaurants are targeted towards those who have not received a HoCo RISE grant before. The deadline to apply is 11:59 p.m. on February 26th. Learn more about these grants and apply here. |
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Energy and Utility Bill Assistance
COVID-19 has devastated many households who have lost income and are trying to make ends meet to keep the heat on, feed their families, and pay their rent. There are several programs available to assist residents with current and past due energy and utility bills.
We are laser-focused on ensuring that our most vulnerable residents do not fall through the cracks this winter, as we continue to combat this virus in our community. Please share this information with friends and neighbors who may be in need.
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Rental Assistance and Eviction Prevention
The longer this pandemic stretches on, the more urgent rental and eviction relief becomes. With more than 23,000 renters in the county and more than 46,000 residents who have filed for unemployment, we are doing all we can to keep people safely housed.
Residents may now apply for additional housing assistance. As we continue to battle this virus, we must deliver the necessary relief and services to make sure no one falls through the cracks.
For more information, please click here. |
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Tax Resources
During a challenging year, it's important that residents in our community have access to available tax resources. I strongly encourage our older adults to apply for vital senior tax credits, some of which will become available on February 26th. These tax credits provide financial incentives to allow residents to stay in their homes while offering more affordable aging in place.
Homeowners can use the county's Credit Eligibility Calculator to explore all available tax credits and relevant information regarding the application and screening processes. The Credit Eligibility Calculator can be found here.
Please, share this information with an older adult in your life. For more information, you can also call the Department of Finance at (410) 313-2195.
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Moratorium on Evictions Extended
The moratorium on evictions and foreclosures has been extended!
President Biden has issued an executive order extending the moratorium on evictions for renters and foreclosures for homeowners with mortgages backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which was originally set to expire at the end of this month, through March 31, 2021. This means that if you have a federally backed mortgage, you can’t be foreclosed on or evicted for not paying.
If you have any questions or concerns, please email the Howard County Department of Housing and Community Development at housing@howardcountymd.gov
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Where to Get Tested
Please remember to get tested for COVID-19 if you think you may have been exposed. The two drive-thru COVID-19 testing locations set up in the parking lots at the Elkridge and Savage fire stations are NOT being operated by the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services, but are operated by Quality First Urgent Care.
Our volunteer fire stations in Savage and Elkridge are being inundated with questions regarding testing. If you have any questions regarding testing at either location, please call the Howard County Health Department’s Coronavirus Information Line at (410) 313-6284. We all have a responsibility to do all we can to reverse our concerning trends. For more information, please visit HChealth.org.
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Department of Community Resources and Services (DCRS) |
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Virtual Offering Guide
Howard County older residents, if you are looking something to keep you active and engaged during this time, I encourage you to check out our Department of Community Resources and Services’ Office on Aging and Independence (OAI) monthly Virtual Offering Guides! Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, OAI has been working hard to provide older residents with various activities, from exercise and cooking classes to social engagement and lifelong learning classes, to help keep you moving, cooking and staying social while at home. You can find OAI’s February Virtual Offering Guide online for a list of this month’s offerings. For questions, contact OAI at aging@howardcountymd.gov.
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Bonds Sold
This past Thursday, I announced that a total of $152,225,000 Public Improvement (CPI) and Metropolitan District bonds were sold via a competitive bid process. True Interest Cost (TIC) for CPI and Metro Bonds came in at 1.4 and 1.7 respectively. This has been the second lowest TIC for both CPI and Metro Bonds in the past 20 years. These bonds are highly valued in the marketplace in large part due to the County’s AAA credit rating, which was reaffirmed by all three bond rating agencies as I shared earlier this month.
Notable projects funded through the bond sale include: High School #13; Hammond High School renovations; Talbott Spring Elementary School replacement; Howard Community College Nursing & Science building; the new Howard County Courthouse; Howard County Detention Center renovations; storm drain improvements; and upgrades to the Little Patuxent Water Treatment facility.
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Office of Human Rights and Equity |
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As we enter the last week of Black History Month, I invite you to join our Office of Human Rights and Equity for its first annual Black Excellence Expo. The Expo will honor Black culture, history and achievement, while building capacity in the Black community by providing tools, information and resources to facilitate professional and personal advancement. This two-day, virtual event will kick off tomorrow, February 23rd from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and wrap-up on Thursday, February 25th from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
To learn more about the Expo and other Black History Month events our Office of Human Rights and Equity has scheduled this week, visit www.tinyurl.com/HOCOBHM and/or contact Marla Moore with the Office of Human Rights and Equity at 410-313-6430 or email ohroutreach@howardcountymd.gov.
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Police Department
Distraction Burglary Increase
PLEASE SHARE: The Howard County Police Department (HCPD) is alerting residents that neighboring jurisdictions are reporting an increase in distraction burglaries and attempts. Suspects are posing as a utility worker (BGE or similar) to gain access to a home by saying they need to check a resident’s circuit breaker, HVAC system, etc. While they have the resident distracted in the basement, a second suspect burglarizes the home. These individuals will often wear an “official-looking” safety vest, uniform and/or a fraudulent employee badge.
While HCPD has not received any reports of these incidents in Howard County, they are asking all to share this message, especially with anyone who might be vulnerable to scams. Additionally, with warmer weather right around the corner, reports of scams and deception burglaries are expected to increase and may also include offers of driveway paving and resealing, tree trimming and removal, or roof repairs and inspection. HCPD is encouraging residents to remain vigilant and to NEVER let an unknown, unexpected subject into your home.
REMEMBER, if someone seems eager to look inside your home or seems to be trying to distract you, close and lock your door immediately and call 9-1-1. Non-emergency solicitor complaints should be directed to 410-313-2200.
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Public's Help Needed - Reward Increased
HCPD continues to ask for the public's help to identify a suspect vehicle captured on surveillance video at the time of the July 31, 2020 shooting in Columbia, that resulted in the death of a pregnant woman and her baby. Rabiah Ahmad, 30, was 28 weeks pregnant when she was shot while inside a residence in the 6600 block of Dovecote Drive. She later died at the hospital and while doctors delivered her baby girl, Ahja, she sadly died too on August 5th.
HCPD responded that night to the Dovecote address, where numerous people reside, for a report of several gunshots. HCPD discovered that multiple bullets had been fired into the house from the outside and that Ahmad, who had recently moved to Maryland and had been staying at the residence for the last few months, was struck once; no one else was injured. Detectives do not believe that Ahmad was targeted and are still working to determine the motive in the shooting.
Through investigation since the shooting, HCPD detectives believe the unknown suspect(s) arrived and left the scene in an older-model white sedan. The video shows the vehicle traveling along the 8000 block of Harriet Tubman Lane shortly after the shooting.
Anyone with information is asked to please contact HCPD at 410-313-STOP or email HCPDCrimeTips@howardcountymd.gov. Callers can remain anonymous. Detectives have INCREASED THE REWARD to $30,000.
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Department of Public Works Construction Report
Below are details regarding new, upcoming, completed and/or delayed Capital Projects and/or maintenance project(s) that have been announced.
Past Project Updates – Completion Date Change
Ellicott City
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Gwynn Park Drive Outfall Stabilization (Capital Project D-1178) – Project to restore and stabilize a heavily eroded storm drain outfall channel behind 9676, 9680 and 9690 Gwynn Park Drive and 9696 and 9700 Riverside Circle in an effort to reduce instream erosion and improve downstream water quality in the Little Patuxent River. Originally expected to be completed by late December, weather permitting, the project is now expected to be completed by early March.
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Mount Hebron Pumping Station (Capital Project S-6600) – Project to upgrade components of the existing sewer pumping station at 9260 Furrow Avenue. Originally expected to be completed by mid-February, weather permitting, the project is now expected to be completed by late March.
To learn about DPW Capital Projects currently underway, visit https://bit.ly/2V6K5B6. Searchable by project category and street name, from this site you’ll find additional project details, including news releases about the project. You can also contact DPW’s Customer Service Office at 410-313-3440 or email publicworks@howardcountymd.gov for further assistance.
If you have questions or are interested in finding out about a State road (numbered roadway) project in your area, visit the Maryland State Highway Administration’s (SHA) website and search by “County” to learn more about State road projects in Howard County.
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Department of Public Works – Bureau of Environmental Services
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Household Hazardous Waste Collection Ending for Season
Our Bureau of Environmental Service’s Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) will host its FINAL SPECIAL HHW winter collection day next Saturday, March 6th before it resumes its regular HHW Saturday season in April. On the 6th, county residents may properly dispose of HHW items at the Landfill. For more information on this program and what is accepted/not accepted, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/HHW.
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Department of Recreation and Parks |
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Recreation & Parks Advisory Board Student Member Position Open
Calling all Howard County students who will be enrolled in high school for the 2021-2022 academic year, if you have an interest in the County’s recreational programs and parks and would like to share your voice and perspective on how we can make it better, I encourage you to apply today for our Recreation & Parks Advisory Board student member position. Comprised of eight members, including one student, the Board provides recommendations relating to plans, policies and programs for public recreation, and reviews plans for and holds hearings on the acquisition and development of land for public recreation and open space.
Interested applicants must be able to attend the Board’s meetings held the third Wednesday of each month from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. in Conference Room #1 at the Department of Recreation and Parks Headquarters, 7120 Oakland Mills Road in Columbia. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, board meetings are currently taking place virtually. The student board member will serve a one-year term from July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022.
Applicants should send a resume and a brief letter explaining why they want to serve on the Board to Kimberly Pruim either by email to kpruim@howardcountymd.gov or by mail to: Howard County Government, Office of the County Executive, Attn: Kimberly Pruim, 3430 Court House Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043.The names of eligible applicants will be submitted to the County Executive for approval and the nominee will be submitted to the County Council for confirmation. The deadline to apply is Friday, March 19th.
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Sports & Outdoor Camp Guide
In case you missed it, online registration for our Department of Recreation & Parks’ 2021 Summer Sports & Outdoor Camps guide is NOW open for Howard County and non-county residents. This year’s summer camp guide has been split into two. In this first guide, residents will find outdoor camps, sports camps and select online camps, ranging from adventure and outdoor, nature and history and archaeology to numerous sports programs. Parents and prospective campers can choose from full- or half-day camp options or bring the fun home with Recreation & Parks’ exciting take-home kits and online camps. Recreation & Parks will send out a second summer camp guide later this year focused on indoor camps.
Like our other Recreation & Parks programs, our 2021 summer camps will follow strict COVID-19 safety guidelines that prioritize daily health checks, small group sizes, physical distancing and face mask use in our ongoing efforts to keep our participants and staff safe and healthy. To secure your camp spot today, visit Recreation & Parks registration page today.
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Pathway Closure
REMINDER: The section of the Dorsey Hall pathway system along Columbia Road between Rams Horn Row and Broken Lute Way in Ellicott City is now CLOSED to the public in order to allow crews the ability to safely remove dead ash trees positioned along the pathway. The trees have destroyed by invasive emerald ash borer beetles and pose a potential danger to pedestrians and cyclists. The resulting wood and debris from the project will remain on site to allow for nutrient recycling and local wildlife habitat.
Weather permitting, the work is expected to be completed by mid-March.
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Partial Pathway Closure
Parks will also be PARTIALLY CLOSING the Lake Elkhorn pathway starting this Wednesday, February 17th for renovation work. The section of pathway from Angelina Circle to Swan Point will be closed Monday through Friday’s, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. A detour will be in place to allow pathway visitors to complete their loop around the lake. Weather permitting, the work is expected to take four weeks to complete.
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Adult Softball League Registration
Looking to get back on the softball diamond this spring? Then register today for Recreation & Parks’ Adult Softball Leagues and enjoy 10 weeks of games. Offering both men’s and co-ed leagues, the season starts April 11th. To learn more, visit www.tinyurl.com/HCRPAdultSoftballLeagues today!
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Tele-Meeting Etiquette Class
Brush up on your tele-meeting etiquette and become a savvy virtual communicator with Recreation & Parks and the International School of Protocol. In this online Zoom workshop (March 9th), participants will discover the communication tools and techniques necessary to make your next online meeting or important email a success! To register, visit www.tinyurl.com/SavvyCommunicatorHCRP.
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Public Input Needed
I, along with the County’s Office of Transportation, are seeking public input as we, the County, prepare to submit our annual Priority Letter to the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT). This Priority Letter recommends the County’s prioritized transportation projects for MDOT’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2022-2027 Consolidated Transportation Program. Residents can find information about this year’s Priority Letter, projects, copies of previous priority letters and more online, and submit their comments and input to David Cookson with the Office of Transportation by email to transportation@howardcountymd.gov or by mail to: Howard County Office of Transportation, c/o David Cookson, 3430 Court House Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043. The deadline to submit public comment and input is 5:00 p.m., next Wednesday, March 3rd.
For questions and/or more information about the County’s FY 2022-2027 Priority Letter, contact David Cookson at 410-313-4312 or email dcookson@howardcountymd.gov.
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Active Transportation Open House
Our Office of Transportation has launched its annual Active Transportation Open House (ATOH), previously known as the BikeHoward Open House. This year’s ATOH will take place virtually and run from noon, February 19th through 5:00 p.m., this Friday, February 26th. This newly expanded open house will focus on biking, walking, micromobility and Complete Streets, and will include updates to the County’s BikeHoward projects, e-scooters and Complete Streets implementation activities. As part of ATOH, staff members from our Office of Transportation will also be hosting virtual office hours to allow residents the ability to chat with a member of Transportation staff in order to learn more and have their questions answered about ATOH topics.
For more information about ATOH and available office hours, click HERE. Residents can also submit questions and/or comments about the ATOH projects to transportation@howardcountymd.gov; please include “2021 ATOH” in your email subject line.
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