Washington County Transit plans facility expansion at 1000 West Washington Street

The Board of County Commissioners for Washington County, Maryland, convened on June 24, 2025, to discuss several key agenda items, including a significant study on the expansion needs of the Washington County Transit facility and a license agreement for a charity event.

The meeting began with a presentation regarding the facility needs of the Washington County Transit, located at 1000 West Washington Street. The study, funded by the Hagerstown Eastern Panhandle Metropolitan Planning Organization (HEPMPO), evaluated the current 1.7-acre site, which has been repurposed from a former Chevrolet dealership. The facility currently serves multiple functions, including transit administration, bus storage, and maintenance. However, it faces operational challenges due to space constraints, as all office areas are fully occupied, leaving no room for additional staff or training facilities.

The transit development plan anticipates a 30% increase in ridership by 2030, necessitating an evaluation of whether the existing site can accommodate future needs. The study highlighted that the current facility lacks adequate indoor storage for vehicles, which are often left exposed to the elements, and does not have sufficient office space for administrative functions. Additionally, the site is divided by a public alleyway, complicating vehicle movement and safety.

A proposed expansion plan includes a new building of approximately 27,000 square feet to address these issues, along with internal rearrangements to optimize space for administration and vehicle storage. The county is currently awaiting a federal grant application decision to fund the design and construction phases of this project.

Following this discussion, the commissioners moved on to item 12 on the agenda, which involved a motion to approve a license agreement with the Community Free Clinic. This agreement allows the clinic to use county-owned property at 520 Western Maryland Parkway for its annual MUD volleyball charity tournament. The event, previously held at the Hagerstown Regional Airport, faced challenges due to permitting issues, prompting the search for an alternative venue.

The meeting concluded with no further questions from the commissioners, who expressed appreciation for the detailed reports provided. The discussions underscored the county's commitment to enhancing transit services and supporting community initiatives through collaborative efforts.