Commissioners schedule June 3 public hearing on two road transfers with Maryland DNR

St. Mary’s County commissioners voted April 29 to hold a public hearing June 3 on two proposed road transfers with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR): a transfer from the state to the county of part of Camp Casoma Road and a transfer from the county to the state of a segment of Newtown Neck Road that runs through Newtown Neck State Park.

County Attorney “Miss Giddens” told commissioners the two transfers have been discussed for years and are commonly described as a “land swap,” though each transfer is a separate deed: the state would deed the segment of Camp Casoma Road (from Red Bud Road past Allen Owens Way) to the county; the county would deed the portion of Newtown Neck Road that runs through the state park to DNR. Both transfers require deed paperwork and, for the county transfer, an appraisal and plat; counsel said neither transfer involves monetary consideration.

Public‑works and emergency‑management staff described the practical drivers behind the transfers. Snow‑removal operations and access during storms highlighted that the county does not maintain Camp Casoma Road but regularly receives requests from residents on Someday Farm Lane and Allen Owens Way about plowing and maintenance. Conversely, DNR requested state ownership of the Newtown Neck segment that provides access to the state park; staff said transfers would clarify maintenance responsibility and simplify emergency access plans.

Commissioners asked whether residents would be affected; staff said no residents would be displaced or directly impacted by the Newtown Neck conveyance. County staff reported one prior public comment in favor of the transfers. A public hearing requirement is part of the historical process used for road conveyances, and commissioners agreed to proceed to public hearing so the record reflects public notice and opportunity to comment.

Commissioner Mike Hewitt moved to schedule the public hearing for June 3 and the board approved the motion. The county will publish legal notice and accept public comments in advance of the hearing, and county staff said the state must prepare deed documents to initiate the transfer process.

Why this matters: Conveying maintenance responsibility clarifies which agency is accountable for snow removal, emergency vehicle access and long‑term upkeep. The transfers require deeds and administrative steps and may affect operations for park access and rural road maintenance.