Helping Ellicott City

Statement

Last weekend, Howard County was hit by one of the worst floods on record when 6.5 inches of rain fell in about two hours. The property damage to homes and businesses in the area is still being assessed, but it looks like the cost will be substantial. 120 people were rescued from swiftly moving water, and another 100 people were rescued after being trapped in buildings and homes. And tragically, two people lost their lives. Mark and I send our thoughts and our prayers to their family and friends, as well as to all of those impacted by this terrible disaster.

Governor Hogan and I collected more than $600 for the cleanup efforts at an event we held in Pasadena on Monday, and I will continue to do whatever I can to help the people of Howard County as they work to rebuild. If you haven't been able to donate yet, I encourage you to visit www.helpellicottcity.com. There, you will find a variety of ways you can help the people impacted by this terrible disaster.

This tragedy demonstrates once again how brave our First Responders are. They put their own safety and often their own lives in jeopardy every day to help their community, and in this instance, they saved hundreds of lives. I would also like to thank Howard County Executive Allan Kittleman and Governor Larry Hogan for their hard work to get Ellicott City cleaned up, fixed up, and open for business again as quickly as possible.

But it wasn't just our first responders or elected officials who have stepped up in our time of crisis. Once again, the people of Maryland demonstrated what a great state we live in. There were selfless acts of bravery as people made human chains to rescue their friends and neighbors from the water. And there have been countless acts of kindness as assistance has poured into Howard County from all over the state. We have truly come together as a community to help our friends and neighbors, and I couldn't be more proud to be a Marylander.

You know, I often remind people that America is by far the most generous and most charitable country in the world. And you see that generosity reflected in Maryland, not only in times of tragedy but every day. If you have not had the opportunity to do so yet, I encourage you to visit www.helpellicottcity.com and see how you might be able to help those impacted by this disaster in Howard County.

Source