Maryland city to enhance stormwater infrastructure through new grant program
The City of Annapolis, Maryland, announced on July 24, 2025, that it is advancing its commitment to environmental stewardship and water quality improvement through recent enhancements to stormwater management systems and the introduction of a new cost-share grant program aimed at assisting property owners in maintaining effective stormwater management. The cost-share program is expected to become available in 2026. In anticipation of the program, the City conducted a pilot assistance project for a private facility while continuing maintenance on City-owned facilities.
At the Roger "Pip" Moyer Recreation Center on Hilltop Lane, several stormwater control/Best Management Practice (BMPs) sites have undergone significant maintenance to restore functionality. These efforts included the removal of accumulated sediment from rock catchments, elimination of invasive plants, mulching, and the introduction of new native plants.
The restoration work was conducted in partnership with Breaking Boundaries Environmental (BBE), an Annapolis-based firm that specializes in environmental sustainability and natural resource management. BBE will conduct training for City staff on stormwater system upkeep and is planning for community engagement activities.
In a move to support economically disadvantaged communities, the City will, in 2026, launch a pilot cost-share grant program designed to assist property owners in maintaining stormwater management facilities. The program's inaugural project was carried out at the Masjid Al-Ansar mosque, where a bioretention facility had been inadvertently filled with stone and covered with turf, compromising its intended function. Through the grant program, the City facilitated the removal of the stone and turf, reestablished the appropriate planting media, and introduced new vegetation. The Maryland Reentry workforce played a crucial role in the restoration process.
"Implementing effective stormwater controls is crucial for enhancing community resilience and environmental stewardship,” said Recreation and Parks Director Roslyn Johnson in a press release. “These systems can help mitigate flooding - and protect vital infrastructure - by managing excess rainwater. They also improve water quality in nearby creeks and rivers by filtering pollutants from stormwater runoff. It’s all part of our goal to be good stewards of the land and local waterways.”
In 2026, the City of Annapolis will expand a maintenance grant program to benefit more residents, reinforcing its dedication to sustainable stormwater management and community involvement.
