St. Mary's County seeks federal grant for YMCA project funding

In a recent meeting held at the St. Mary's County government building, commissioners gathered to discuss critical funding requests and emergency management strategies that could shape the future of the community. The atmosphere was charged with urgency as officials from the Department of Public Works and Transportation presented a congressionally directed spending request aimed at securing federal funding for the YMCA in Great Mills.

Director Jim Gotch and Deputy Director Gary Whipple outlined their proposal, which included a request for $3.6 million to support the ongoing construction of the YMCA. This request, they emphasized, was crucial as it represented the county's primary focus for federal earmarks over the past three years. However, Commissioner Colvin raised concerns about the singular focus on the YMCA, suggesting that other pressing needs in the county, such as infrastructure improvements and flood mitigation, were being overlooked. He urged his fellow commissioners to consider a broader range of requests to better advocate for the county's diverse needs.

Despite the push for a more comprehensive approach, the commissioners ultimately approved the YMCA funding request, recognizing the importance of the project while also acknowledging the need for future discussions about prioritizing other county issues.

Following the YMCA discussion, the meeting shifted to the Department of Emergency Services, where officials sought approval to apply for federal funding under the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program. This funding would support the update of the county's hazard mitigation plan, which is essential for identifying and addressing potential disaster risks. The plan is due for revision by 2028, and the commissioners were informed that the application process for this funding is lengthy, with decisions not expected until 2026.

The anticipated cost for the hazard mitigation plan update is projected at $60,000, with the county responsible for a $15,000 match if the grant is awarded. Despite uncertainties surrounding federal funding, the commissioners agreed on the importance of applying for the grant to ensure the county remains eligible for future assistance.

As the meeting concluded, it was clear that while immediate funding requests were being addressed, the broader conversation about the county's infrastructure and emergency preparedness would need to continue. The commissioners expressed a commitment to improving communication and collaboration in future funding discussions, ensuring that all of St. Mary's County's needs are adequately represented.