Planning Commission finds MetCom FY2026–FY2031 capital plan consistent with county comprehensive plan; transmits recommendation

The St. Mary's County Planning Commission voted March 24 to find the St. Mary's County Metropolitan Commission's FY2026'through'FY2031 capital improvement plan and budget consistent with the county comprehensive plan and to transmit a recommendation of approval to the Board of County Commissioners.

The vote followed a presentation by George Erickson, executive director of the St. Mary's County Metropolitan Commission (MetCom), and Christy Hollander, MetCom chief engineer, who summarized priority water and sewer projects, cost updates and grant activity. Erickson said most of the CIP is a rollover of existing projects, but he flagged several items the Planning Commission should note, including an expansion and new treatment plant for St. Clement Shores, an EDU (equivalent dwelling unit) transfer program, and upgrades to multiple pump stations and force mains.

Why it matters: the CIP contains projects and debt that affect future development patterns, rates and which properties will have access to public sewer and water. Planning Commission review is required before the county commissioners approve MetCom's budget and any service-area expansions.

Erickson told the commission the St. Clement Shores project will add roughly 320 EDUs and a treatment plant budgeted at more than $20 million; the plant design will use enhanced nutrient removal (ENR) technology and MetCom secured a state grant of $10.2 million for the work. MetCom staff said an additional $2.7 million appears in out years…