Van Hollen, Elfreth Highlight Over $6 Million in Federal Funding Secured for Community Projects in Howard County

Recently, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen and Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth (both D-Md.), joined by Howard County Executive Calvin Ball, toured the future site of the Artists Flats Apartments in Columbia, Md, and highlighted $6,296,000 in Fiscal Year 2026 Congressionally Directed Spending that they, along with U.S. Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), fought to deliver for projects across Howard County.

"Delivering federal investments to our communities helps support local priorities that better Marylanders' lives. These investments will increase affordable housing options in Columbia, improve safety on our roads, shore up our emergency infrastructure, and expand STEM education. By partnering together to support these efforts, we're strengthening communities today while laying the foundation for long-term growth and success," said Senator Chris Van Hollen, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee.

"I came to Congress to deliver tangible results for Maryland families back home. With over $6 million secured for Howard County, we are doing just that. From improving pedestrian safety along Guilford Road and investing in affordable mixed-use housing to funding youth STEM programs and improving energy resilience at the North Laurel Community Center and Elkridge 50+ Center, this federal funding will make a real difference in the lives of Howard County residents of all ages. I'm grateful for the partnership and commitment of Team Maryland to turn these ideas into action - and I look forward to seeing these projects through to completion," said Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth.

"All Marylanders need a safe and affordable place to live. That is why I am committed to lowering the cost of rent and creating real pathways to home ownership. It's also why I am so proud to have partnered with Senator Van Hollen and Congresswoman Elfreth to secure federal investment for the Artists Flats Apartments to create more affordable housing in Howard County. This was part of over $6 million in federal funding directed to Howard County this year - which beyond affordable housing will modernize our infrastructure, upgrade senior centers, and invest in STEM," said Senator Angela Alsobrooks.

The federal lawmakers secured for $2,000,000 for the future Artists Flats Apartments, which will provide new affordable housing options to low- and moderate-income individuals and families. They also secured $2,000,000 for the construction of a new bicycle and pedestrian lane along Guilford Road and $1,250,000 for upgrades to the North Laurel Community Center and Elkridge 50+ Center, which serve as emergency shelters during storms. The lawmakers secured these investments within the government funding bills passed and signed into law for Fiscal Year 2026.

"On behalf of Howard County, I am honored to accept more the $6.2 million in federal funding for critical Howard County projects that will strengthen our infrastructure, improve public safety, expand opportunity, and support our residents for years to come," said Howard County Executive Calvin Ball. "I want to thank our Federal Delegation for continued support of important projects like these. This moment reflects what partnership between local and federal government should look like; it is thoughtful, practical, and centered on people."

The federal lawmakers also highlighted $1,046,000 that they secured to support the expansion of the Chinese American Parent Association of Howard County (CAPA)'s STEM Forward program for young students.

"This federal investment is a meaningful step forward for our community," said Lan Deng, Executive Director of the Chinese American Parent Association of Howard County. "STEM Forward will expand access to high-quality, hands-on STEM learning opportunities for students who have historically been underrepresented in these fields. We are deeply grateful for the leadership and support of our congressional partners in making this possible."

Video of the press conference and ceremonial check presentation marking the delivery of the funding is available here.

The total FY26 Congressionally Directed Spending secured for Howard County is as follows:

Project Name: Guilford Road Pedestrian / Bicycle Improvements, Phase 3
Applicant: Howard County
Project Description: Funds will be used for the construction of a shared-use path along Guilford Road, between Oakland Mills Road and Carroll Heights Avenue.
Amount: $2,000,000

Project Name: Artists Flats Apartments
Applicant: Howard County
Project Description: Funds will be used to support the construction of mixed-income development that will provide affordable housing for low-and moderate-income individuals and families.
Amount: $2,000,000

Project Name: Facilities Upgrades and Equipment for Public Safety During Storms
Applicant: Howard County
Project Description: Funds will be used to update and improve the North Laurel Community Center and Elkridge 50+ Center, which serve as warming and cooling centers and emergency shelters during emergencies.
Amount: $1,250,000

Project Name: STEM Forward
Applicant: Chinese American Parent Association of Howard County
Project Description: Funds will be used to expand STEM education efforts in Howard County by connecting young students to educational programming around coding, earth sciences, robotics, and engineering.
Amount: $1,046,000