Board Approves $2.5M for Ellicott City Flood Recovery Aid

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- Maryland officials have approved $2.5 million to help small businesses and property owners in Ellicott City recover from last month's flooding.

The Board of Public Works voted 2-0 Wednesday to make the money available from the Small, Minority and Women-Owned Business Account.

The money will be used to provide zero- and low-interest loans to enable affected businesses to reopen either in Ellicott City or a temporary location. The loans also will allow business and property owners to restock inventory, complete repairs and meet other immediate needs.

The Hogan administration also announced it is asking the Legislative Policy Committee to approve the transfer of $2.5 million from the Catastrophic Event Fund to provide added help to Ellicott City and property owners affected by the flooding.