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Commissioner supports applying for $500,000 federal earmark for YMCA of the Chesapeake project
Summary
A St. Mary's County commissioner said there is potential to secure a $500,000 federal earmark for the YMCA of the Chesapeake project, noted county contribution limits and rising costs after site work revealed poor soil and tariffs increased HVAC prices.
A St. Mary's County commissioner said the county should apply for a possible $500,000 federal earmark to help fund a YMCA of the Chesapeake project that has begun site work.
The commissioner said Senator Chris Van Hollen’s representative, Roderick Lewis, indicated there was a “potential to get $500,000” if the county applied by a March 8 deadline. The commissioner said he supports pursuing the money, noting the county’s contribution is “capped at $15,000,000 for this project” and that the YMCA would cover remaining costs.
Why it matters: The community YMCA project has received local donations and foundation support but has encountered added costs from unexpected subsurface conditions and higher equipment prices, which could affect project scope and funding needs.
Details and context: The commissioner said the YMCA has more than 200 individual donors from the county and that the Donnie Williams Foundation has given $250,000. He said crews found poor soil after breaking ground, creating a contingency nearing $1 million, and quoted YMCA leadership that HVAC costs could rise about 25% because some components were made in Canada and affected by tariffs. The commissioner said the YMCA and the county will continue to seek federal, state and philanthropic partners.
No formal vote or commitment to the earmark application appears in the transcript; the remarks record the commissioner’s support for applying and summarize project challenges and funding sources mentioned to the speaker.
