Dear Friends,

I recently announced a major investment for expanded reproductive health services in Howard County, committing $1 million in funding over three years to ensure that students at Howard Community College have improved access to care.

Reproductive health care has become weaponized across our country, especially since the repeal of Roe v. Wade. Under a pilot program being established through a partnership between HCC and the Howard County Health Department, the expanded HCC clinic will offer more hours, as well as telemedicine; a full complement of contraception; treatment of sexually transmitted infections and more.

I will continue to unequivocally support the right for women to use their own voices and make their own choices for their reproductive health care and family planning needs. The program we are announcing today will prioritize preventative reproductive care for women and increase healthcare services for all. 

Read more here.

Supporting Our Students and Educators

Earlier this year, the Maryland General Assembly authorized a $35 million grant for school construction projects selected by Howard County Government. We are grateful to Chair of the Senate Budget and Tax Committee, Guy Guzzone, Senator Katie Fry Hester, and our entire Howard County State Delegation for their leadership in securing this funding. The Board of Education can now forward these projects to the Interagency on School Construction for consideration at its October meeting.

To read my full letter describing these grant-funding projects and how I recommend the money be allocated, please click here.

2022 State of the County

Howard County remains one of the best places to live, work, play and grow in part because of our collective work and transformative vision. From investing in our educational system, expanding our environmental initiatives, prioritizing public safety and growing our economy, we remain a regional and national leader.

Join us as I deliver my 2022 State of the County address on Wednesday, October 12th at 6pm at the Johns Hopkins APL Kossiakoff Center: 11100 Johns Hopkins Road, Laurel, MD 20723.

Register here.

Cycling New Roads

I was excited to join John Piorkowski and Howard County Economic Development Authority for the grand opening of the new Patapsco Bicycles in Elkridge! This is their third overall location and second in Howard County. Patapsco Bicycles was started in 2010 by a group of passionate cyclists who wanted to provide excellent service and sales to like-minded cyclists of all types and ages.

From recreational riders and families to road cyclists and mountain bikers, they offer something for everyone. Thank you for choosing to expand in Elkridge, and I wish you continued success! Learn more about them here.

Protecting Our Agriculture 

Since re-opening our Agricultural Land Preservation Program in 2019, our team has been hard at work to ensure our green space is preserved for current and future generations. We were so grateful to work alongside Alan Sharp to preserve nearly 130-acres of land in Western Howard County, protecting this beautiful property from future development.

Together, we are prioritizing the preservation of our green space and agricultural land to protect our environment for current and future generations.

Remembering Those Who Served

No matter how many years have passed and no matter how many periods of crisis we endure, we will never forget those who sacrificed their lives in service. I was honored to join Chief Lou Winston and the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services team for the 7th Annual Honor and Remembrance Ceremony at Crest Lawn Memorial Gardens. Those being honored were far more than fire and rescue first responders. They were mothers, fathers, siblings, and children. They represent the best of our community.

The fire service has a great tradition of family, honor and respect, and it is evident in the service provided by those who have dedicated their life to others. These heroes and their families deserve our thanks, appreciation, and our eternal gratitude. We will never forget the service and sacrifice of those in the Garden of Valor.

Do You Want to go HoCo higher? 

Small businesses are the economic engine that push Howard County forward and help our community thrive. This new class of entrepreneurs will be able to reach new heights, access important resources, and build connections with the help of HoCo Higher.

I encourage small business owners to apply for this unique and exciting opportunity to learn best practices and set their business up for success. Learn more about how to apply at here.

Making a Transformational Impact 

Since 2007, Interclypse has had a positive and transformational impact in our community by “Doing What is Right.” I was so glad to join Scott Declore and his team to celebrate the 15th anniversary of Interclypse and celebrate their continued growth at their new office.

Congratulations and I wish you many more years of success! Learn more about their services here.

From Jersey to Ellicott City

I was so happy to join Ashley to welcome Jersey Mike’s to Ellicott City! They carefully consider every aspect of what they do - every slice, every sandwich, and every store.

I’m so grateful that they have decided to expand to Ellicott City and wish them many years of success! See their menu here.

Enjoying the Carnival

I was so happy to stop by Guilford Elementary for their PTA Family Carnival. From snow cones to face painting to a 75 obstacle course, this family-fun event had something for everyone. As an educator and parent, events like this remind me the importance and value of our PTAs and all they do to support our student.

A special thank you to the Guilford Elementary PTA for putting on GES’ first carnival for our community to enjoy!

Celebrating our Korean Americans

Howard County is home to the highest percentage of Korean Americans than any other jurisdiction in Maryland. That is why every year, I’m so excited to join the Korean Society of Maryland (KSM) for their Annual Korean Festival. This year is even more special as the Korean Society of Maryland celebrates their 50th anniversary. From working with our state and county partners to secure $1 million for the first ever AAPI Cultural Center to being the co-chair for the first ever Koreatown in Maryland, I remain committed to supporting the efforts of our diverse Howard County community.

I’m so thankful for the continued support and partnership of KSM president Helen Won, the Chair of the 44th Korean Festival Charley Sung, and every person who made this event a success. Together, we’re making incredible strides which makes Howard County the best place to live, work, play, and grow for all.

Visiting the 2022 Best New Restaurant

Howard County is so grateful to have phenomenal local restaurants which contribute to our fantastic restaurant scene. I was so happy to visit Red Bird Bar and Grille in Glenelg who was recently voted the 2022 Best New Restaurant in Howard County by Howard Magazine. From burgers and entrees to 16 taps and an extensive wine list, there is something for everyone!

Please, continue to support our local, small businesses. Learn more about them here.

Homelessness

In 2019, we released the Path Home report, which serves as the five-year plan to end homelessness. Implemented by the Howard County Coalition to End Homelessness, this report is intended to achieve multiple goals, including to ensure that homelessness is rare, brief, and non-recurring, people have access to safe and immediate shelter, and permanent housing is more accessible. These goals are designed to serve all populations in need, including, families with children, unaccompanied youth, the chronically homeless, veterans, and victims of abuse. Some of the key actions accomplished to date include providing over $8.5m in rental assistance to help over 550 homeless individuals find and maintain permanent housing. The Coalition also expanded homelessness street outreach to connect clients to services. During the past 4 years, Howard County has provided over 90 new housing subsidies and vouchers to homeless youth. 

The pandemic challenged us to serve our community in new ways and expedite many of the plan’s goals. We expanded our motel program for families facing eviction by providing over 2,500 hotel nights for parents with children to keep them from becoming homeless and we invested over $300,000 to increase shelter beds and expand services to protect homeless individuals from COVID exposure. This investment covered over 5,200 nights in a safe, private, and healthy environment, and over 7,400 meals provided by nonprofit partners.

Through our continuous work, we will ensure that every Howard County resident has access to the best quality of life. 

Copa Com'unidad

As we continue to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in Howard County, I was so excited to visit Troy Park in Elkridge for our first ever Copa Com’unidad where eight teams and many spectators came to enjoy a friendly soccer tournament. This was a great opportunity to celebrate comradery and community, while also celebrating Hispanic Heritage. I’m so grateful for the efforts of Cris Oviedo and all our volunteers who worked tirelessly to make this event a success. 

This month, and every day, let’s continue to celebrate our heritage which makes us unique.

Congrats DARS!

I was so glad to celebrate the ribbon cutting for Davis, Agnor, Rapaport & Skalny, Law Firm. This new office is now home to the largest Howard County based law firm, and I couldn’t be more thrilled for their expansion. This new space located in our thriving Downtown Columbia is twice as large as their previous space and provides them with the opportunity to grow even further. 

Congratulations on this expansion, and I wish them continued success for decades to come. Learn more about the services they provide here.

Tasty Tacos in Elkridge 

Howard County has a wide-ranging culinary scene, which reflects our diverse community. As we continue to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, I was pleased to visit Callejeros tacos 2 in Elkridge – home of the famous machete. Since 2017, this family-owned and operated restaurant has been providing our community with delicious traditional street food.  

Please, continue to support our local restaurants! See their menu here.

7 Years of Postal Xpress

Seven years ago, Donna Maertens opened Postal Xpress N More to provide our community with packing, shipping, printing, and business service center. However, she didn’t have the opportunity to celebrate her achievement of starting a soon-to-be successful business. Today, on their 7th anniversary, I was proud to join the Howard County Chamber of Commerce and many of our friends to cut the ribbon for the very first time! 

I’m so thankful for the commitment of Donna and her entire team for their efforts to help provide much needed services to all our residents. Congratulations on your 7th anniversary and I wish you many more years of success. Learn more about them here.

Become a Mental Health Community Ambassador 

This Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, we’re reminded of the importance of mental health and ensuring that our family, friends, and neighbors are ok. I invite you to become a Mental Health Community Ambassador on September 28th from 6-8 PM at the Bain Center where residents will be able to learn more about how to address and assist in concerns regarding mental health. 

In partnership with the Howard County Health Department, Friends of Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center, and Howard County Public School System, attendees will become equipped with information on the 988 hotline, reducing stigma, and suicide prevention resources for students and families.  

Register today here.

Grand Marshal, Sponsors and Participants Sought for Howard County’s Annual Veterans Day Parade

I, along with the County’s Department of Community Resources and Services’ (DCRS) Office of Veterans and Military Families (OVMF) and parade coordinators, are seeking nominations for the position of Grand Marshal for Howard County’s 8^th Annual Veterans Day Parade, set to take place Sunday, November 13th at 9:30 a.m. in Downtown Columbia. The honorary title of Grand Marshal is bestowed upon an individual who represents the values and moral fiber of what it means to be a member of Howard County’s veteran and military family community. Past honorees include the late Vivian “Millie” Bailey, 104-year-old WWII African American veteran and community advocate, and the late Edward Lawrence “Larry” Killen, a Vietnam War Navy veteran and Army Reservist and paramedic firefighter who chaired the parade committee from 2015-2019.

In addition to Grand Marshal nominations, the Howard County Veterans Foundation is also looking for community members and groups interested in sponsoring the parade, as well as community groups interested in participating in the parade.

To learn more about this year’s parade event and how to apply, check out HERE.

Help Keep Others Warm by Donating Cold Weather Gear Today

Howard County's MultiService Center (MSC) is collecting new or gently used winter coats, gloves, mitten, and scarves in sizes infant to adult for its annual cold weather gear distribution in October. Now through October 3^rd, donations may be dropped off at MSC, located at 9900 Washington Boulevard, Suite I, in Laurel on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4:00 to 6:00 pm. Volunteers are also needed to help sort and organize collected items for the distribution, which will be held on Saturday, October 22^nd from 10:00 am to noon at the North Laurel Community Center. For more information about this program or to sign-up to volunteer, call 410-313-0220. 

Celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month this October: Attend the 2022 Commission on Disabilities Employer Awards Ceremony

Observed each October, National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) celebrates the contributions of America’s workers with disabilities past and present and showcases supportive, inclusive employment policies and practices. To mark NDEAM, our Commission on Disabilities who host its annual Commission on Disabilities Employer Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, October 19^th at 1:00 p.m. at Belmont Manor & Historic Park in Elkridge. This awards ceremony recognizes employers whose hiring and/or accommodation practices, staff development and advancement possibilities value diversity and provide equal opportunities for employees with disabilities. This year’s ceremony guest speaker is Katie Collins-Ihrke, Executive Director of The Arc of Howard County.

All are invited to attend. To reserve your seat, please contact Erica Lewis at 410-313-6402 or email ealewis@howardcountymd.gov by October 4^th.

Protect Yourself from Scams with Help from the Office of Consumer Protection

Learn about the latest scams and how to protect yourself from becoming a victim by joining DCRS’ Office of Consumer Protection’s (OCP) Administrator Tracy Rezvani for her coming presentation on “Sneaky Scams” at the North Laurel 50+ Center this Friday, September 30^th at 11:00 a.m. To attend this presentation, simply sign up at the center’s front desk. For more information about these presentations or to speak to someone about a consumer issue, contact OCP at 410-313-6420 (voice/relay) or email consumer@howardcountymd.gov.

Consumer Protection Forum

Join OCP on Saturday, October 15^th from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Elkridge 50+ Center for a free public form on the “Hot Topics in Consumer Protection and Advocacy.” The forum will feature presentations on key consumer issues, including elder abuse, arbitration, credit and debt issues, and scams, as well as anticipated, pending and recent federal and state legislation. A Q&A session will follow each presentation topic, the forum will also feature a resource fair and light refreshments. To register to attend this event, click HERE; must register by October 14^th.  at

The OCP’s mission is one of consumer advocacy and protection, and works to protect county consumers by mediating disputes, taking enforcement action or providing tips on how to avoid scams, or make smart purchasing decisions. For more information or assistance with a consumer issue, call 410-313-6420 (voice/relay).

Handmade with Love



If you knit or crochet, the OVMF’s initiative, Handmade with Love, needs your support. OVMF is currently collecting homemade scarves and hats to send to currently deployed military members. Scarves should be four to six inches wide by 48 to 50 inches long (no fringe), while hats should fit an adult-size head. Materials can be wool, acrylic or non-flammable fleece in subtle shades of blue, brown, olive, gray, maroon and black. Red/white/blue combinations are also acceptable.

Handmade items should be dropped off by no later than Friday, November 4^th at one of designated locations listed on the flier. Please be sure to pin a note to each scarf or hat with the yarn fiber contents listed, and feel free to include a personal note for the recipient if you would like. As you can imagine, our soldiers are deeply touched by the care and effort when they receive gifts, especially handmade items from supportive fellow Americans.

For more information, contact Lisa Terry at 410-313-0821 (voice/relay) or email veterans@howardcountymd.gov.

Office of Emergency Management

National Preparedness Month

September is National Preparedness Month and all month long our Office of Emergency Management (OEM) will be providing helpful tips, tricks and facts to make sure you, your family, your business and more are prepared in case disaster strikes. So be sure to follow OEM on Facebook, Twitter and to check out their ReadyHoCo website to find out more.

Howard County Health Department

Walktober

This October, I encourage you to get up and move with the Howard County Local Health Improvement Coalition and local partners for Walktober. This month-long walk/move event celebrates Maryland’s official state exercise and promotes walking for improved health for residents of all ages and abilities. To find out what Waltober inclusive events and walkinars are scheduled in Howard County this October, as well as a list of walking maps to help keep you moving around the county all year long, click HERE.

Let's Walk, Roll, Ride and Move HoCo!

Underage Tobacco Enforcement Investigators Wanted

The Howard County Health Department is currently recruiting county high school students and young adults interested in working as an Underage Tobacco Enforcement Investigator. This is a paid opportunity that assists Howard County Tobacco Enforcement Officers with undercover tobacco purchases at licensed retail stores throughout Howard County.

To be eligible to participate in this program, participants must be:

• Between the ages of 17 to 20 years old;
• Have parental/guardian consent if under the age of 18;
• Be able to provide State ID with proof of age and Howard County residency; and
• Be a non-smoker.

To learn more about this program and how to apply, click HERE. 

I invite you to join the County’s Office of Human Rights and Equity, HCHD and myself this Wednesday, September 28^th from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. for our second Community Resource Ambassador event. This month’s training will take place at the Bain 50+ Center in Columbia and will focus on “Suicide Prevention.” Through this session, participants will become equipped with information on the 988 hotline, reducing stigma and suicide prevention resources for students and families. Attendees are strongly encouraged to arrive by 5:45 p.m. Light refreshments will be provided.

Reading Human Rights: The Undocumented Americans

Reading Human Rights is an award-winning monthly book discussion group hosted by OHRE and the Howard County Library System (HCLS) that encourages literary exploration and community dialogue around a variety of human rights concerns.

For its September book discussion, OHRE and HCLS will discuss Karla Cornejo Villavicencio’s novel, The Undocumented Americans. One of the first undocumented immigrants to graduate from Harvard, Karla reveals the hidden lives of her fellow undocumented Americans in this deeply personal and groundbreaking portrait of a nation.

To secure your seat for this event, set to take place Thursday, September 29^th at 6:30 p.m. at HCLS’ East Columbia branch, click HERE to register for the English session and HERE for the Spanish session.

Talk to Us! 

The Howard County Office of Human Rights & Equity is hosting a series of listening sessions where you have the opportunity to share with us the ways we can improve on how we serve you. Responsible for protecting and promoting the human rights of all people, it is important to us that hear from people of all backgrounds, lifestyles, and belief systems. So please join us for an in person discussion by registering on a date below.

North Laurel: October 6th or 28th

Roger Carter: October 27th

Gary J. Arthur: October 31st

One Maryland, One Book: A Conversation with Naima Coster

OHRE has partnered with HCLS, Maryland Humanities, Howard County Poetry and Literature Society, the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the Maryland State Library to bring Naima Coster to Howard County readers as part of Naima’s One Maryland One Book tour. OHRE will sit down with Naima to talk about her book What’s Mine and Yours on Tuesday, October 4^th at 7:00 p.m. at the HCLS’ Miller branch. As space is limited, click HERE to reserve your seat.

Thinking Different: Creating a Neurodivergent Community

Join OHRE Community Outreach Coordinator Marla Moore on October 13^th at 6:00 p.m. at our Roger Carter Community Center for a seminar on the importance of creating safe and inclusive environments for Neurodivergent people throughout our communities. This seminar is part of our Department of Recreation & Parks’ Active Aging Program’s speaker series.

For requestions and/or more information regarding this event, please contact Tessa Hurd at 410-313-7311 or email thurd@howardcountymd.gov. 

Human Rights Commission Award Ceremony

Mark your calendars and join our Howard County Human Rights Commission on Wednesday, October 19^th at the Owen Brown Interfaith Center for its annual awards ceremony. A night to recognize individuals, students and organizations, Howard County honorees will receive the James E. Henson Sr. & Jean W. Toomer Award, the Colette Roberts Organization Award, and the Dr. Murray Simon Student Award to recognize their efforts in the area of human rights, social justice, and community uplift.

Beginning with a light reception at 6:30 p.m. the awards ceremony will begin at 7:00 p.m. Arrival at 6:15 p.m. is strongly encouraged. You can register for this event by clicking HERE.

Department of Planning and Zoning

HoCo By Design Readies to Release County in Motion Draft Chapter

As part of its process to create a new General Plan, called HoCo By Design, our Department of Planning and Zoning’s (DPZ) HoCo By Design project team has been releasing its draft HoCo By Design planning theme chapters throughout this year to gather community review and feedback. The policies presented in each chapter are draft statements based on data, best practices, and community feedback DPZ has received to date. Feedback we receive from you, our community, will further be used by DPZ to refine the draft policies.

This month, DPZ’s project team will be releasing its fifth planning theme chapter – “County in Motion: Fostering Modern Mobility Choices.” This chapter highlights the need to manage and provide a safe, equitable, and fiscally sustainable transportation system for all users that is responsive to changing local, regional, and national transportation trends.

As part of its HoCo By Design process, DPZ is hosting two meetings this month – with the first meeting taking place this past week, to offer participants an opportunity to learn more about its latest draft chapter. DPZ will host its second meeting this Wednesday, September 28^th from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. in-person at 3430 Court House Drive in Ellicott City and virtually. To register to participate in this meeting, click HERE. Please note, as space is limited for the in-person meeting on the 28^th, registration is required by noon, tomorrow, September 27^th.

Residents can also share their input on DPZ’s latest HoCo By Design draft chapter, particularly regarding the chapter's recommended policies and actions, via the County in Motion Comment Form, open now through Thursday, October 13^th.

For more information on DPZ’s HoCo By Design’s Draft Chapter Release: Life Outdoors, visit www.hocobydesign.com/county-in-motion, or contact DPZ’s Community Planners Kate Bolinger at kbolinger@howardcountymd.gov or Sarah Latimer at slatimer@howardcountymd.gov.

First Issue of the DPZ Digest Now Available

DPZ recently launched its new quarterly newsletter, the DPZ Digest, which allows readers to learn more about the department’s work in the community, as well as receive timely information about DPZ’s programs and initiatives. To ensure you are among the first to hear about DPZ’s latest news, I encourage you to subscribe today to receive the DPZ Digest straight to your inbox.

Route 1 Tax Credit Program Applications Now Being Accepted

DPZ is currently applications for the County’s latest round of its Route 1 Tax Credit Program. Administered by DPZ, this program offers up to $100,000 in funding per site to commercial and industrial property owners along the Route 1 corridor to assist them with renovating and improving the appearance of their properties.

To be eligible for the tax credit, the property must have frontage onto Route 1 and/or be adjacent to a property with Route 1 frontage, or be within the perimeter of Map 20.129D (Elkridge), be under 15 acres, be up-to-date on property tax payments and have no existing code violations. Commercial and property owners interested in renovating the appearance of their property, are encouraged to visit the Route 1 Tax Credit Program website to learn more about this program and how to apply, or contact DPZ at 410-313-2350.

Police Department

Maryland’s Move Over Law Expands October 1^st

Howard County Police Department (HCPD) is alerting motorists that beginning October 1, 2022, Maryland's Move Over Law will be expanding to require motorists to make a lane change or slow down when approaching ANY stopped, standing or parked vehicle displaying warning signals – including hazard warning lights, road flares, or other caution signals including traffic cones, caution signs, or non-vehicular warning signs. The expanded law is in place to protect law enforcement, emergency responders and any motorist that may encounter a roadside emergency and must stop near travel lanes.

To learn more about Maryland's Move Over Law, visit the State’s Zero Deaths Maryland website.

Body Worn Cameras

In case you missed the announcement last month, all HCPD officers who regularly interact with the public are now equipped with a Body Worn Camera (BWC). To learn more about HCPD's BWC program, including answers to frequently asked questions and its BWC policy, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/police/body-worn-cameras.

Department of Public Works

Stonehouse Drive Outfall Stabilization Public Meeting Tonight

The County's Department of Public Works’ (DPW) Stormwater Management Division will hold a public meeting tonight September 26^th at 7:00 p.m. in the Avalon Room at Howard County Library System's Miller branch, located at 9421 Frederick Road in Ellicott City, to present plans for a project to stabilize the stormwater outfall drainage along Stonehouse Drive in Ellicott City. The proposed project includes repairing an eroded slope at the existing stormwater drainage outfall and constructing additional underground stormwater drainage pipes to discharge water at a stable location along the unnamed tributary to the Patapsco River.

This informal meeting will include a brief overview of the project by DPW staff and design consultant McCormick Taylor, who will remain on hand afterwards to answer any questions.

Those unable to attend the meeting who would like to view the plans and/or have questions, should contact Mr. Brian Cleary of the Stormwater Management Division at 410-313-6455 or email bcleary@howardcountymd.gov.

For questions or more information about Capital Project D-1158/Construction D-1176, contact Public Works Customer Service, at 410-313-3440 or email publicworks@howardcountymd.gov.

Henryton Road Bridge Replacement Public Meeting this Wednesday

DPW’s Transportation and Special Projects Division will hold a public meeting this Wednesday, September 28^th at 5:00 p.m., in the cafeteria at the Marriotts Ridge High School, located at 12100 Woodford Drive in Marriottsville, to present plans for a bridge replacement. The proposed project consists of constructing a new single-span prestressed concrete beam bridge on Henryton Road over the Tributary to Patapsco River. The existing bridge will also be removed, the traffic barrier replaced and the roadway approaches improved.

This informal meeting will include a brief overview of the project with design plans on display. County staff and a representative from Wallace, Montgomery & Associates, the projects design consultant, will also be on hand to answer any questions and gather public comments.

Those unable to attend the meeting who would like to view the plans and/or have questions, should contact Mr. Jake Weir of the Transportation and Special Projects Division at 410-313-6153 or email jweir@howardcountymd.gov.

For questions or more information about Capital Project B-3835, contact Public Works Customer Service at 410-313-3440 or email publicworks@howardcountymd.gov.

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.

Ellicott City

• Michaels Way Drainage Improvement (Capital Project D-1175) – Project to improve stormwater drainage between 9778 and 9572 Michaels Way to upgrade the system and improve the efficiency of the drainage network. Signs will be posted as Michaels Way between Hearthstone Road and Longview Drive will be closed to thru traffic during the project. Motorists will follow a clearly marked detour using Hearthstone Road and Longview Drive to get around the work zone. A recorded message at 410-313-3638 will carry project updates. Weather permitting, the project is expected to be completed by late February 2023.

To learn about DPW projects currently underway, click HERE. 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) “Project Portal” website.

Maryland State Highway Administration

SHA Begins Project to Improve Highway Ramps

The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) has begun overnight work on a project to improve the safety and the driving surface on five highway ramps in the county. The project will remove the top layer of the roadway, repair potholes to smooth out the surface and install a new layer of asphalt on the following ramps:

• Southbound I-95 ramp to westbound MD 32;
• Southbound US 29 ramp to westbound MD 175;
• Eastbound MD 175 ramp to southbound US 29;
• Westbound MD 175 ramp to northbound US 29; and
• Westbound MD 216 (Scaggsville Road) ramp to northbound US 29.

Beginning with the southbound I-95 ramp at MD 32, crews will work overnights, from 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. Sunday evenings through Friday mornings. During the work, the ramps will be closed and a detour will be in place. Signs, cones and electronic arrow boards will be in place to alert motorists about the ramp closure and guide them through the work zone and detour. Weather permitting, the overall work is expected to be completed by the end of September.

SHA works hard to maintain safe traffic mobility in work zones for our crews as well as our customers. Motorists are reminded to stay alert, focus on driving and look for reduced speed limits, as well as other driving pattern changes, and asked to drive like you work here and slowdown in construction zones. 

For more information about this work, please contact SHA at 410-545-0303 or click HERE.

SHA Begins Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Project on US 1

This month, SHA will begin a project to improve bicycle and pedestrian safety and mobility at the following four key intersections along US 1 in North Laurel and Elkridge: 

• Brewers Court – installation of a new pedestrian-activated countdown crossing signal, a protected pedestrian refuge space in the median and new continental crosswalks; 
• Guilford Road – construction of a shared-use path for pedestrians and bicyclists along southbound US 1 between Guilford Road and the existing sidewalk (approximately 1,100 feet to the north), new continental crosswalks and upgraded pedestrian crossing signals;  
• Rowanberry Drive – construction of new concrete sidewalk along northbound US 1 between South Hanover Road and Old Washington Road, new continental crosswalks and upgraded pedestrian crossing signals; and  
• Doctor Patel Drive – installation of a new pedestrian-activated countdown crossing signal, a protected pedestrian refuge space in the median and new continental crosswalks.

The project will begin at the Guilford Road/US 1 intersection, during which time, motorists can expect daily off-peak single-lane closures between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Weather permitting, the entire project is expected to be completed by summer 2024.

SHA works hard to maintain safe traffic mobility in work zones for our crews as well as our customers. Motorists are reminded to stay alert, focus on driving and look for reduced speed limits, as well as other driving pattern changes, and asked to drive like you work here and slowdown in construction zones. 

This project is a priority for Howard County and is a result of a pedestrian and mobility study undertaken by the County several years ago. To learn more about this project, click HERE or contact SHA at 410-545-0303.

Encore Showcase 

Residents age 55+ are invited to join our Department of Recreation & Parks at the croquet lawns at Blandair Regional Park - North next Tuesday, October 4^th from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for its free Encore Showcase event. Participants will have the opportunity to enjoy mini fitness sessions, quick art projects, trivia, giveaways and play a game of bocce, croquet and pickleball, while celebrating all the activities that help keep your mind and body active. To lean more about this event and the most up-to-date schedule, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/encoreshowcase. While pre-registration is not required, it is recommended for event updates. In the case of inclement weather on the 4^th, the event will be held on October 6^th.

New Playground Coming to Schooley Mill Park 

The playground at Schooley Mill Park in Highland is currently closed as crews make way for a brand new playground, set to be installed this fall. Weather and all permitting, Recreation & Parks hopes to complete this project in the coming months. In the meantime, check out www.howardcountymd.gov/recreation-parks/parks to learn about Recreation & Parks' other parks and playgrounds. We thank you for your patience.

North Laurel Community Center Fall Festival 

Recreation & Parks invites you to join them for some outdoor, family fun on Saturday, October 15^th from noon to 4:00 p.m. at its North Laurel Community Center Fall Festival. This event has something for everyone, from music, games, entertainment, food trucks and more. Tickets are $2 per person ages 4 and up (children under 4 are free).

While preregistration is not required, it is encouraged; however, onsite registration will also be available. To purchase your tickets for this event and/or to learn more, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/fallfestival.

Truck or Treat 

Tickets are now on sale for the annual Recreation & Parks Truck or Treat. A “wheely fun” way to celebrate fall and community, come dressed in your favorite costume to trick-or-treat at all of the trucks, tractors, emergency vehicles and more, while meeting some of your hometown heroes. Tickets are $5 per child ages two and older (under two are free); however, please note, a limited number of tickets are available for each 75-minute time slot. To register for this Spooktacular event, click HERE. 

Now Hiring!

If you are or someone you know is looking for a job, I encourage you to check out our Recreation & Parks’ current full-time job opportunities (click the link/title below for more information and to apply): 

• Recreation Services Manager/Recreation, Adventure & Nature Division (closes September 29^th at 11:59 p.m.) 
• Assistant Community Center Manager/Roger Carter Community Center - Recreation Services Coordinator II (closes September 29^th at 11:59 p.m.) 
• Ellicott City Historic Sites Manager - Natural Resource Program Manager II (closes October 6^th at 11:59 p.m.) 
• Therapeutic Recreation Supervisor - Recreation Services Coordinator II (closes October 10^th at 11:59 p.m.) 

To view all current job opportunities within Recreation & Parks, click HERE. 

Office of Transportation

MDOT Consolidated Transportation Program

This Thursday, September 29^th, the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) will hold its annual Howard County Consolidated Transportation Program (CTP) Tour Meeting to share its draft CTP at 6:00 p.m. in the County’s George Howard Building at 3430 Court House Drive in Ellicott Ctiy (the meeting will also be livestreamed).

The CTP is the six-year capital budget for State transportation projects and programs. During the tour meeting, MDOT will discuss projects and funding across the full range of activities in the county and the state by the Maryland Aviation Administration, Motor Vehicle Administration, Maryland Transit Administration, Maryland State Highway Administration and the Maryland Transportation Authority. The CTP is updated every year, based on local priorities expressed in the annual priority letter, local and regional planning efforts, and funding forecasts.

To review the Draft FY 2023- FY 2028 Consolidated Transportation Program and learn more, please click here. To review Howard County’s priority letter, please click here