Many Howard County citizens testified Monday night, September 19th, on Howard County's proposed legislation for planning a long term solution to flash flooding that devastated Historic Ellicott City onJuly 30th. Main Street is scheduled to reopen the end of September. Building were destroyed. Flood insurance was unavailable. Businesses may not be able to return. Stormwater from decades of converting tree cover to impervious surfaces was a major contributing factor. Citizen's applauded the proposed 9 month moratorium for time to evaluate and implement more comprehensive stormwater protections. Moreover, citizens requested amendments to expand the scope of any proposed cure and to provide for enforcement. Current review and approval of proposed projects is limited to the specific proposed site and does not include in new development approval criteria any evaluation of broader impact on the community and the watershed, nor do existing standards include the state goal to reduce existing impervious structures. Written submitted comments and information on Council Bill 65-2016 is available by clicking the tabs at this website: https://apps.howardcountymd.gov/olis/LegislationDetail.aspx?LegislationID=1773. Contact: Alan Schneider alan.schneider@mdsierra.org