Dear Friends,

Last week, we announced $75 million in federal funding to construct the Extended North Tunnel in Ellicott City. The 5,000 foot long tunnel will be the the largest and most impactful flood mitigation component of our Ellicott City Safe and Sound plan.

After devastating floods in 2011, 2016 and 2018, we have put together a comprehensive package of solutions backed with $167 million in federal, state and local dollars that will greatly reduce the impacts of storms that are becoming more intense due to climate change.

Historic Ellicott City is celebrating its 250th anniversary this year, and we are committed to making sure this jewel– the second largest economic engine in Howard County – thrives for at least another 250 years.

This game-changing project will carry 26,000 gallons of storm water per second, away from streets and foundations in Old Ellicott City and the West End and directly into the Patapsco River. That's about the amount of water in an average in-ground pool, moving through the tunnel every second!

This tunnel will be one of the most important and impactful public works projects in the history of Howard County. We are writing a new chapter in the long history of Ellicott City, making it a national model of resilience.

Even in the face of the most complex challenges, we will continue to support our town and work to make Ellicott City safe and sound for generations to come. Read more here. 

Historic Investments in Howard County

Last week, the Howard County Council adopted our $2 billion operating budget and $378 million capital budget, providing historic investments that will improve the quality of life for all residents.

This budget includes the largest increase in public education resources in County history, and provides more than $1 billion for the school system for the first time ever. We have fully funded the Board of Education’s request for school construction projects – including High School #13. Over the last four years we've increased spending over Maintenance of Effort by a total of $62.8 million. 

Working together, we are making investments that are as visionary as they are responsible. We have fulfilled our obligations to our children and our teachers; we our protecting our communities and the environment; and we are preparing Howard County for even more economic development success.

Read more here. 

Taking HoCo Higher 

It was wonderful to celebrate the 2nd graduating class of our HoCo Higher Program, and recognize the winners of the pitch competition. Congratulations to first place winner Natoya Reid, DMD, LLC and finalists American Bully Manufacturing LLC, AppleCore's Bake Shoppe, The Eudaimonia Center, and Vine Technology Solutions.

Small businesses and entrepreneurs are the economic engine that pushes Howard County forward. We’re thrilled this class of innovators, thinkers, and changemakers who have come together to grow their businesses and bring new ideas to our community.

Special thank you to our HoCo Higher partners who helped make this program possible, M&T Bank, our Howard County Economic Development Authority and the Maryland Innovation Center.

Honoring Dr. Kate Hetherington 

It was great to be among friends this morning to celebrate the unveiling of Dr. Kate Hetherington's portrait at Howard Community College. 

I've known Dr. Hetherington for many years, and it was a honor to be at her installation as President of HCC nearly 15 years ago. As President she grew enrollment, established critical partnerships, and inspired a next generation of leaders. Before her retirement in October 2021, Dr. Hetherington's decades at HCC made her a trusted partner and valued leader in our region. I've always been thankful to also call her a good friend.  

Congratulations Dr. Hetherington on this well-deserved recognition!

Good Luck Special Olympians! 

I'm wishing the best to our Special Olympics MD Howard County Olympians who are heading to Florida next month to compete in the USA Games with more than 5,500 other athletes. 

These extraordinary individuals are competing in track and field, golf, powerlifting, swimming, and tennis. In Howard County we support our residents of all abilities, and we couldn’t be prouder of our athletes who have spent a great deal of time training and preparing for this competition. 

Please join me in cheering on all the coaches, athletes, and families on Team Maryland and Team Howard County as they embark on this incredible experience.

Triple Creek Farm

Check out the progress happening on Triple Creek Farm. Construction is underway on the first of the privately owned sites in the County's solar Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) - the largest PPA in the state!

This is one of 11 sites that will have ground mounts or rooftop solar arrays installed. In total the Solar PPA will generate a monumental 44,000,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) a year which will cover more than 75% of the County’s energy usage.

Taking Our Businesses Global 

Our Maryland Innovation Center, in the heart of the Columbia Gateway Innovation District, continues to attract global business partners.

Along with the Howard County Economic Development Authority team, I welcomed the KOSME delegation, who represent a $50B Korean agency established to support Korean small and medium enterprises in Korea and around the world. Both KOSME and the Maryland Innovation Center have shared missions, providing direct investments, startup and technical assistance, and human resource support for businesses.

This important meeting emphasized how the Innovation Center stands to be part of the KOSME global footprint, offering 63,000 square feet, 4 floors of business support, and a world-class mentoring program for emerging entrepreneurs. 

The AAPI Cultural Center 

Join us on June 23rd at 6:30 p.m. at the Bain 50+ Center to learn about and discuss the future launch of Howard County's first-ever Asian-American and Pacific Islander Cultural Center. 

We want to gather feedback from residents. Please RSVP to aapiworkgroup@howardcountymd.gov if you're planning to attend.

Funding our School System 

Howard County’s budget for the coming year includes for the first time more than $1 billion in funding for the Howard County Public School System. At nearly $84 million between County and State sources, our approved budget provides the largest recurring increase in public education resources in County history. 

We are providing all resources needed to support the best possible education for our kids, and fulfilling our commitment to parents and educators. Thank you to our Howard County Board of Education, HCPSS, the County Council, and our State Delegation for their partnership to make this a reality.

Increasing Diverse Contractor Involvement 

In an effort to increase our diverse contractor involvement in Howard County-wide and Downtown Columbia construction projects, we invite you to join us to learn more about opportunities with future development projects with Howard Hughes. The event will take place on June 10th at 10:00 a.m. at 6100 Merriweather Dr. 4th floor. 

To learn more and register, please click here. 

An Increased Maintenance of Effort

Maintenance of Effort is a state funding minimum that requires counties provide the same amount of per-pupil funding as they did the prior year. In our approved budget, we've provided $45 million ABOVE that minimum threshold. This brings the total increase in County funding above Maintenance of Effort over the last four years to $62.8 million, well more than triple the increase over the previous four-year period. 

Education continues to be our number one priority - so all our students can be ready and successful.

Thank you to our Board of Education, HCPSS, the County Council, and our State Delegation for their partnership to make this budget possible. 

Read more about the approved budget here. 

Getting Boosted

Howard County's COVID-19 cases are rising, and we're now in the HIGH community transmission level according to the CDC. As we end a holiday weekend, what does this mean for you?

- Wear masks indoors in public

- Stay up to date with vaccines

- Get tested if you have symptoms

- If you are at high risk for severe illness, consider additional precautions

If you haven't already - be sure to make an appointment today to get boosted at vaccine.howardcountymd.gov

FantasyWood Festival

Enjoyed stopping by to kick off the fantastic FantasyWood Festival this morning at the Howard County Living Farm Heritage Museum - filled with color costumes, unique vendors, and your local favorite food trucks and drinks. The festival is happening all weekend, so be sure to check it out. Proud to be in an inclusive place where we can embrace play.

Find out more here. 

Pitch & Mingle 

Join our Howard County Economic Development Authority for Pitch and Mingle on June 7th from 5-8 p.m.

Five startups will have the unique opportunity to present their platform in a 4-minute pitch, followed by 4 minutes of Q&A from the panel of judges and audience. Three winners will be awarded cash prizes, including an awesome $3,000 for first place. The audience will get to award the "Crowd Favorite" prize.

Enjoy cocktails, nibbles, and networking as you support local entrepreneurs.

Register here. 

Supporting Local Institutions 

Howard Community College and the Howard County Library System are premier institutions that help make the quality of life in Howard County excellent, and are important parts of our comprehensive commitment to education and learning for all.

In our approved FY23 budget, we've included an additional $2.9 million for HCC and an additional $1.6 million for our libraries, the highest level of growth in over a decade. 

Over the past four years, County funding support for HCC has grown by nearly $5.4 million, and operating budget support for HCLS has increased by almost $3.4 million over the past four years, nearly 50% higher than funding growth over the prior four-year period. We have also provided $2 million for Howard County Strategies to Reach an inclusive Vision and Equitable Solution, or HoCo STRIVES, to support our most vulnerable students and address learning loss.

Stronger Together at HCC

I was pleased to join Howard Community College for its Stronger Together Celebration to recognize some of our amazing Class of 2022 graduates.

I want all our students to have opportunities to learn and grow – and these innovative and targeted programs at HCC provide support so that our students of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds can be successful.

We are truly grateful that HCC sees the challenges many of our students face and has created these programs, Ambiciones, Bridges to Pathway, Career Link, Disability Support Services, Student Support Services, Project Access, and Howard PRIDE, to make getting an education that much easier.

Non-Profit Support 

Our non-profit community over the past two years has worked extra hard to provide vital resources and services to our residents amid a pandemic. Our approved budget includes over $12 million for Community Service Partnership grants to non-profits, the highest amount ever and nearly an 11% increase over last year. 

Our budget also expands County support to 19 additional non-profits, focusing assistance on smaller organizations which have been hardest hit by the pandemic and that provide services to our vulnerable, underrepresented, and at-risk neighbors.

ARTreach is Coming!

This free, one-day family festival will take place on Saturday, June 4, 2022, from 11 am to 7 pm. Held at the Long Reach Village Center, the event features live music, hands-on activities, children's performances, artists' demonstrations, a photo booth, and lots more!

Festivalgoers can also participate in hands-on arts activities, watch artists practice their craft, and tour onsite artist studios. You can have your caricature drawn and silhouette snipped, watch as your festival tote bag is screen printed right before your eyes, make a tie dye t-shirt, capture the day at our open air photobooth, and so much more. Puppet shows, musicians, balloon twisters and other children's and strolling performers round out the day's free activities.  

A one-day pop-up shop at the Columbia Art Center will feature works for sale by participating artists.  Food will be available for purchase from Village Center restaurants and our festival food trucks. For more information, visit artreachfestival.org. 

Food Truck Thursdays

As the weather gets warmer, it’s the perfect time to gather with friends and enjoy the great tastes of Howard County at Food Truck Thursdays at the Long Reach Village Center. Come out to support our local favorites every Thursday from 5-8 p.m. 

This week featuring:

• AppleCore's Bake Shoppe
• Althea's Almost Famous
• Bullhead Pit Beef
• Plating Grace 
• Dee's Food and Snack Shack

Food trucks will come to the village center every week, with a variety of vendors to satisfy our every craving. Be sure to check it out! #longreachrising

Quality of Life

We are conducting an online survey of County residents. We want everyone to have an opportunity to share their opinions with County Government on the services we provide. This survey is one way for us to assess how we are doing and identify areas for improvement. The survey will be open until 11:59 p.m. on May 31st.

The survey is available here.

COVID-19 Update

According to the Maryland Department of Health (MDH), Howard County’s positivity rate today is 12.8% and our 7-day moving average case rate per 100k is 39.3. We've seen a steep increase in cases related to the BA2 subvariant which is highly transmissible.

Howard County's Community Level, according to the CDC, is now RED. All residents should strongly consider wearing a high-quality mask indoors in public, especially those at high risk for complications from COVID. If you recently attended a large gathering, or are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, please get tested and isolate, per CDC guidelines. There are currently 6 COVID-19 patients in the ICU and Acute Care units at Howard County General Hospital. We’ve sadly lost 352 of our residents to COVID-19 and we continue to keep their loved ones in our thoughts and prayers.

The CDC recently authorized booster shots for kids 5-11. Anyone 5+ who completed their vaccine series in December or earlier should get boosted as soon as possible. Anyone 50+ and those who are immunocompromised, can receive a second booster. Staying up to date with vaccine continues to be the best way to prevent severe illness and death from COVID-19. Howard County is a state leader with 91.6% of our residents 5+ fully vaccinated. However, 33% of our eligible residents have not yet received a first booster shot.

Find a vaccine near you, and give yourself the best protection against COVID-19 at vaccine.howardcountymd.gov

June Issue of The 50+ Connection Now Available

Our Department of Community Resources and Services’ (DCRS) Office on Aging and Independence’s (OAI) The 50+ Connection newsletter is now available online. Published monthly as a two-page insert in the Howard County Beacon, this newsletter provides valuable information regarding programs, services and events of interest to older adults. You can find the current and past issues on OAI’s “Publications & Reports” website or join OAI’s email subscriber list to receive the current issue each month straight to your inbox. Subscribe today to ensure you are among the first to hear about upcoming OAI special events and informative programs.

Elder Abuse Awareness Resource Fair Set for June 11^th, Featuring Document Shredding Event

To help raise awareness about and in alignment with Protect Week (June 13^th to June 17^th) and World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (June 15^th), DCRS will host an Elder Abuse Awareness Resource Fair on Saturday, June 11^th from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. outside at 9830 Patuxent Woods Drive in Columbia. In the event of inclement weather, the Fair will be held inside DCRS’ offices.

Hosted by OAI and held in collaboration with DCRS’ Office of Consumer Protection and AARP Maryland, the Fair will feature representatives from AARP Maryland, Howard County Police Department, Howard County Sheriff’s Office, CCCSMD, Age-Friendly Howard County, the Howard County Department of Social Services and other community partners, as well as giveaways and refreshments while supplies last.

In addition, the Fair will also feature a document shredding event, where attendees can shred up to two boxes of personal documents (no business documents) per vehicle on-site. Pre-registration is required to participate in the shredding event. To reserve your shredding time slot, visit https://bit.ly/HoCoShred.

To request a sign language interpreter or other accommodations to participate in the Fair, please contact Maryland Access Point one week in advance at 410-313-1234 (voice/relay). 

For more information about how you can take a stand against elder abuse in Howard County, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/eldersafety or contact Peters Omoregie 410-313-6498 (voice/relay).

You're Invited to an Age-Friendly Lunch & Learn!

I invited all to join DCRS this upcoming month for one of its upcoming Lunch & Learn events (see dates below), where participants will learn more about our Age-Friendly Howard County Action Plan. Participants will have the opportunity to learn more about what's on the horizon and how you can help make Howard County a safer and healthier place to grow old, as well as meet members of the work groups who put the Action Plan together. Registration is required to attend one of the Lunch & Learn events, where lunch will be provided; to register, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/agefriendly. 

• Monday, June 6^th from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Glenwood 50+ Center, 2400 MD 97 in Cooksville
• Monday, June 13^th from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. at the North Laurel 50+ Center, 9411 Whiskey Bottom Road in Laurel
• Wednesday, June 29^th from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the East Columbia 50+ Center, 9900 Cradlerock Way in Columbia
• Wednesday, July 6^th from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Ellicott City 50+ Center, 9401 Frederick Road in Ellicott City
• Friday, July 15^th from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. at the Elkridge 50+ Center, 6540 Washington Boulevard in Elkridge

Paying Tribute to Our Fallen Heroes

In celebration of this week’s Memorial Day holiday, DCRS’s Office of Veterans and Military Families (OVMF) honored our county’s fallen hometown heroes with tributes posted on its “Fallen Heroes Tribute” website. Launched last year by OVMF, with the support of the Howard County Commission for Veterans and Military Families, our Fallen Heroes Tribute initiative honors county residents who have made the ultimate sacrifice. The website features photos and bios of service members who were from or at one-time lived-in Howard County, Maryland, and who lost their life while serving in World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Gulf War or the Global War on Terrorism.

If you know of a Howard County service member who died while in service to our country since World War I that you would like to see included on our tribute page, I encourage you to complete the “Howard County Fallen Heroes Tribute” submission form today. If you need assistance with completing the form or have any questions about the County’s Fallen Heroes Tribute initiative, contact OVMF at veterans@howardcountymd.gov

Office of Emergency Management

June 1^st Marks the Start of the 2022 Hurricane Season

Hurricanes are among nature's most powerful and destructive phenomenon and tomorrow, June 1^st, marks the official start of the Atlantic hurricane season. As the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration recently announced, its Climate Prediction Center is predicting another above-normal Atlantic hurricane season for 2022. Forecasters predict a likely range of 14 to 21 named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher), of which six to 10 could become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher) and of these, three to six major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5; with winds of 111 mph or higher). The increased activity anticipated this hurricane season is attributed to several climate factors, including the ongoing La Niña that is likely to persist throughout the hurricane season, warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea, weaker tropical Atlantic trade winds, and an enhanced west African monsoon. The Atlantic hurricane season runs through November 30^th.

Early preparation and understanding your risk is key to being hurricane resilient and climate-ready. To make sure you, your family and home are prepared this hurricane season, in case the weather strikes, check out our Office of Emergency Management’s website to learn more about our local hazards, including hurricanes. Also, learn more about what to do before, during and after a hurricane, by visiting www.ready.gov/hurricanes for information and tips. If you do not have one already, make sure your family has a plan of what to do if disaster strikes and a disaster supply kit stocked with food, water and other supplies that will last for several days. Lastly, stay in the know by making sure "Emergency Alerts" are activated on and you’ve signed up to receive severe weather alerts to your phone.

Department of Fire and Rescue Services

Help Train a Firefighter by Donating Your Car

If you are looking to get rid of an unwanted car, HCDFRS would love to take it off your hands. HCDFRS is currently seeking donations of unwanted cars to help its personnel train and prepare for incidents involving motor vehicles. If you have a vehicle you would like to donate, email HCDFRS at cardonations@howardcountymd.gov today.

In addition to providing an invaluable training opportunity for our firefighters, your vehicle donation is tax deductible and even better, if you live in county, HCDFRS will tow your vehicle away for free.

COVID-19 Boosters Recommended for Five to 11 Year Old’s

With the CDC recommending COVID-19 vaccine boosters for kids age five to 11, HCHD is letting parents know, boosters are available at any of its Pfizer clinics. Please note, to be eligible for a booster, five or more months for the child’s initial series must have passed. If you have any questions about getting your child booster, please contact your child’s pediatrician.

The vaccine is safe and effective at preventing severe illness and death and a recent study showed that vaccinated kids were less likely to be hospitalized during the winter Omicron wave. As cases rise again, getting your child/ren vaccinated and boosted – when eligible, is the best way to protect them. If your child has not started their initial series of the vaccine or is overdue for their second shot, visit HCHD’s vaccine website to find a clinic near you. As cases rise, vaccines remain our best protection against serious illness and death.

To note, side effects from the initial series and the booster are similar: injection site pain/redness, headache, mild muscle aches and low-grade fever.

Howard County Moves to High COVID-19 Community Level Designation

According to the CDC, Howard County’s Community Level has entered into its HIGH level of COVID-19 community transmission. At this level, HCHD recommends that all individuals wear a mask indoors when in public places, regardless of your vaccination status. HCHD also recommends that you get vaccinated if you have not already done so, or if you need a booster, be sure you get boosted. Finally, if you have symptoms, please get tested to help stop the spread.

Parenting with Pride, a Lunch and Learn Event

I invite all to join our Office of Human Rights and Equity (OHRE) on Tuesday, June 7^th at noon as it kicks off PRIDE Month with a virtual panel discussion with Howard County parents of LGBTQ+ children. Panelists will discuss the different approaches to parenting that prioritizes a child’s humanity and creates a safe environment for them to grow, where they feel loved and that they belong.

If you are looking to better understand the families and children of the LGBTQ+ community or desire perspective on how to parent your own LGBTQ+ child in such a way that honors their humanity, then I encourage you to join OHRE on the 7^th either via its Facebook page or the Howard County Government YouTube channel for this virtual lunch and learn event.

June’s Reading Human Rights to Feature Two Books Discussions: On Juneteenth and Tomorrow Will Be Different

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 the month of June, OHRE and HCLS will be hosting two Reading Human Rights discussions, the first on June 23^rd in honor of Juneteenth and the second on June 28^th in honor of PRIDE Month. On June 23^rd, participants will discuss Annette Gordon-Reed’s On Juneteenth, which tells the story of Juneteenth’s integral importance to American history, from its origins in Texas to the enormous hardships African-Americans have endured in the century since.

On the 28^th, participants will discuss Sarah McBride’s Tomorrow Will Be Different: Love, Loss, and the Fight for Trans Equality, which chronicles McBride’s story of love and loss and a powerful entry point into the LGBTQ community’s battle for equal rights and what it means to be openly transgender.

Both discussions will take place at HCLS’ Miller branch starting at 6:30 p.m.

Planning Board Meeting

Our Department of Planning and Zoning’s (DPZ) Planning Board will be holding a hybrid meeting, in person at 3430 Court House Drive in Ellicott City and virtually via WebEx, starting at 7:00 p.m. this Thursday, June 2^nd, to hear the following agenda item:

• F-21-046 – Sapariya Property, 5669 Trotter Road, Clarksville – A request to review Final Subdivision Plan in accordance with Section 16.125(c) of the Subdivision and Land Development Regulations for a minor subdivision that abuts or adjoins a scenic road. The subject property is 1.36 acres, zoned R-20 and will be subdivided into two lots.

To register to testify, click HERE. Registration must be completed prior to 7:00 pm the night (June 1, 2022) before the scheduled meeting to participate. If you do not wish to testify, but simply to watch the meeting, click HERE to watch.

A five-member board, the Planning Board makes recommendations to the Zoning Board or County Council on matters related to planning and zoning and renders a final decision on selected development proposals. Before recommendations or decisions are made, the Board holds a public meeting or hearing to provide interested persons the opportunity to provide comment. For details about procedures for testifying at a Planning Board meeting, click HERE.

To learn more about Howard County’s Planning Board and upcoming meeting dates, click HERE.

Historic Preservation Commission Meeting

Also, this Thursday, June 2^nd, DPZ’s Historic Preservation Commission will be holding a VIRTUAL meeting starting at 7:00 p.m. The meeting agenda and instructions on how to join/participate in Thursday’s meeting can be found on the Commission’s website. To register to join Thursday’s meeting through your computer to view and hear the presentations, you will need to register by noon on the 2^nd. Once registered, further instructions and a call-in attendee number will be provided via email.

Those who wish to provide oral testimony are required to sign up online by noon on May 5^th. Please follow the instructions for registering on the “Registering or Joining by Telephone” tab, where there will be an option to sign-up to testify. After you register through WebEx, please email preservation@howardcountymd.gov by noon on the 5^th with the case information that you wish to testify on. Per HPC Rule of Procedure 102.B, only those parties who registered in advance of the June 2^nd meeting may participate in the proceedings by asking questions and giving testimony.

HoCo By Design Readies to Launch its Third Draft Theme Chapter

As I shared back in March, as part of its process to create a new General Plan, called HoCo By Design, DPZ’s HoCo By Design project team is releasing draft HoCo By Design planning theme chapters one at a time throughout this year for 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 third planning theme chapter – “Life Outdoors: Protecting & Preserving Our Natural Resources”. This chapter identifies opportunities to deepen Howard County’s commitment to environmental stewardship, create better compatibility between the natural and built environments, and provide needed measures for climate change mitigation and adaptation..

As part of the HoCo By Design process, DPZ will host two meetings next week to offer participants an opportunity to learn more about the Life Outdoors draft chapter. The first meeting will be held virtually on Wednesday, June 8^th from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and the second meeting will be held in-person at 3430 Court House Drive in Ellicott City and virtually on Thursday, June 9^th from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. To register to participate in either meeting, please click HERE. Please note, as space is limited for the in-person meeting, registration is required by noon the day before the scheduled meeting date.

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

Police Department

Tips to Help Prevent Auto Theft/Theft from Auto

Year-round, thieves target vehicles to either steal them or steal from them. These reports can increase when the weather warms, during holiday season or whenever an individual or group targets neighborhoods in Howard County. These crimes occur in a variety of neighborhoods, but thieves typically target high-density residential areas, typically during the overnight to early-morning hours. 

To help make yourself less likely to be victimized, HCPD is offering up these tips to prevent auto theft or theft from your automobile.

If you do fall victim to any theft from your vehicle, including if your vehicle has been tampered with but nothing has been stolen, HCPD encourages you to report this to police. This helps HCPD track trends and identify suspects. You can file a report online or call the County’s non-emergency number at 410-313-2200. However, for thefts in progress, please call 911. 

Department of Public Works

Caution, WET PAINT!

Every spring and summer, as weather permits, the County's Department of Public Works (DPW) refreshes lane line marking paint to ensure that street markings are highly visible and our roadways are safe.

As DPW gets ready to launch its 2022 painting season, the department is reminding motorists to show caution and patience when they come upon a paint truck convoy driving slowly in the roadway. To avoid wet paint:

• NEVER pass the paint truck or trail vehicle;
• NEVER change lanes behind the striping truck or trail vehicles;
• DO NOT swerve back and forth to see around the paint truck or trail vehicle; and
• If parked, wait five minutes before driving on the painted areas.

If you have questions and/or for more information, please contact DPW's Bureau of Highways at 410-313-7450 or email highways@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.

Laurel

• Scaggsville Elevated Storage Tank Overflow Improvement (Capital Project S-6600) – Project to relocate the overflow of an elevated storage tank near the US 29/MD 216 interchange. The tank’s internal overflow pipe will be rerouted to discharge the excess water to the outside of the tank into a new inlet. The project is not expected to impact the flow of traffic in the area. Weather permitting, the project is expected to be completed by late June.

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

MD 108 Road Improvement Project Underway

Now underway, the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) has begun a road improvement project on MD 108 between MD 32 and the Howard County and Montgomery County line, just past Wainwright Road. Crews will patch potholes to smooth out the road surface and add a new layer of asphalt on almost four miles of MD 108 near Clarksville.

During overnight work hours, Sunday nights through Friday mornings, 8:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m., motorists can expect single lane closures and flagging operations. Signs, cones, electronic arrow boards and a truck-mounted attenuator will be used to alert and guide motorists through the work zone and promote safe operations.

Weather permitting, the work is expected to be completed in June.  

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, click HERE or contact SHA at 410-545-0303.

MD 32 Guardrail Replacement Project Underway

In addition to work on MD 108, SHA has also begun a project to replace guardrails along MD 32 between US 1 and the Howard and Anne Arundel counties line, just south of Dorsey Run Road. The project calls for crews to replace the existing guardrails along 1.5 miles of roadway to ensure the system meets current standards.

During work hours, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., single-lane and shoulder closures in the area where crews are working can be expected. Electronic arrow boards, cones, barrels and a truck-mounted attenuator will be used to alert and guide motorists through the work zone and promote safe operations.

Weather permitting, the work is expected to be completed in June.

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, visit HERE or contact SHA at 410-545-0303.

Holiday Slide Schedule in Effect This Week

Don’t forget, the County's holiday slide schedule is in effect this week as there was NO curbside collection yesterday, May 30^th as a result of the Memorial Day holiday. Monday pickup will take place today, Tuesday, May 31^st, Tuesday pickup will slide Wednesday and so forth.

For questions and/or more information about the county's holiday slide schedule, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/holidayschedule or contact the Bureau of Environmental Services at 410-313-6444 or email help@howardcountyrecycles.org.

Keep Our Works Safe by Disposing of Flammable Items Properly

Following last month’s recycling truck fire and a roll-off dumpster fire in the County’s Alpha Ridge Landfill Scrap Metal Area just the other week, of which was likely caused by a lithium-ion battery, DPW’s Bureau of Environmental Services is reminding residents that flammable materials, including batteries, electronics, compressed gas tanks and non-empty aerosol containers require special care when recycling and disposing of them. These items should NEVER be set out for curbside trash or recycling collection. To ensure proper disposal, these items should be taken directly to the County’s Alpha Ridge Landfill in Marriottsivlle, open Monday through Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. or visit the Bureau’s “Know Before You Throw” page for me information.

The Roaming Gnomes Have Returned

Recreation & Parks roaming gnomes scavenger hunt is back, with the set to being June 7^th. On the first clue will be released (the first clues will be released every Tuesday, with a second clue released on Friday) on Recreation and Parks Facebook page to help participants fine one of four gnomes. All you have to do is figure out the clue(s) to help you find the gnome, scan the QR code and then submit your entry form to be entered into a weekly prize drawing. Entries are due by the following Monday and winners will be announced on Tuesday when the new clue is released. 

Prizes will be awarded each week, with a special grand prize to be awarded to the searcher who finds all four gnomes by the end of the month. Best of all, its FREE to play. To learn more about The Roaming Gnome Scavenger Hunt, click HERE.

Summer Camps are Near!

With the end of another school year fast approaching and the start of summer vacation right around the corner, it’s almost time for summer camps! If you are still looking for a camp to keep your kiddos busy this summer, be sure to check out what our Department of Recreation & Parks has to offer. From arts to sports to dance and science, there is a camp out there to help keep your kids active, having fun and learning all summer long. To learn more, click HERE. 

The History of Early Railroading

Steam into the Baltimore & Ohio Ellicott city Station Museum in Historic Ellicott City on June 5^th, 2:00 p.m. for a history presentation on early railroading. Come learn about the first few decades of railroads, the stories of the pioneers who changed the world with the invention of “The Iron Horse” and Ellicott City’s role as the first terminus of the first 13 miles of railroad in the country. This event is FREE and open to all ages. For more information and/or questions, contact Emily Mosher at 410-313-0419 or email emosher@howardcountymd.gov.