Maryland and the DMV as a whole have been hit with record precipitation in recent years, leaving much of Maryland potentially susceptible to flooding. Following Tropical Storm Debby, streets in South Baltimore and along the pier in Annapolis were flooded.
Maryland Democratic Sens. Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen have proactively worked to improve Maryland’s flood resiliency and water infrastructure. This has included a $500,000 allocation for flood forecasting technology for the Prince George’s County government, over $100 million for the restoration of the Chesapeake Bay, and billions of dollars invested into renewable energy research and implementation.
“From our shipping channels to stormwater drainage – water infrastructure comes in many forms – but across Maryland our communities rely on it to prevent flooding, maintain commerce, and more,” said Sen. Van Hollen following the Aug. 9 announcement of funding for Maryland priorities. “These federal funds will support a wide array of Maryland water infrastructure priorities that are vital to our economy and our environment.”
The Senate team, in partnership with U.S. Rep. Glenn Ivey (D-Md.) and Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks (D) previously secured nearly $1.5 million for flood control in the Port Towns region and over $25 million to transition Prince George’s County buses to zero-emissions by 2040.
“Updating our water infrastructure is critical as we adapt to a changing climate, work to make our water cleaner and build more resilient communities. This bill makes federal investments to help address the worst effects of climate change and ensure access to healthy, safe water including in flood mitigation, dredging for safer waterways, wastewater treatment, renewable energy and so much more,” said Cardin. “This federal funding represents Team Maryland’s ongoing commitment to investing in community-led programs that bring greater resources to every corner of the state and improve the quality of life for all Marylanders.”