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Commissioners approve MOU for Patuxent River Naval Air Museum visitor center; county share about 10% of construction cost
Summary
The Board of County Commissioners authorized Commissioner President Jack Russell to sign a memorandum of understanding with the Patuxent River Naval Air Museum Association to pursue construction of a new 21,000-square-foot museum and visitor center, with the county contributing about 10 percent of project capital.
The Board of County Commissioners voted to authorize Commissioner President Jack Russell to sign a memorandum of understanding with the Patuxent River Naval Air Museum Association to solicit and construct a new Naval Air Museum and visitor center on the county's planned site.
Department of Public Works and Transportation staff described the project as an approximately 21,000-square-foot visitor center and exhibit facility. Public Works said the project assembling funding from several sources — a state bond bill, more than $3.37 million in federal funding, and more than $900,000 raised by the museum association — will leave the county contributing roughly 10 percent of construction costs. Department staff said the museum association has raised construction funds and agreed to transfer those funds to the county accounts prior to project award so the county can legally proceed with contracting.
Mister Erickson, representing the Department of Public Works and Transportation, told commissioners the Federal Highway Administration had provided comments on the county's bid authorization request and that staff expects to respond and seek FHWA authorization to bid by late spring or early summer. He said procurement documents are ready and that construction would take about 365 calendar days once awarded. Museum representatives said the association will assume operating, utilities and maintenance responsibility for the building after construction and that association fundraising and federal support will cover most capital costs.
The board approved the MOU on a voice vote. Commissioner Daniel L. Morris moved to authorize President Russell to execute the agreement; Commissioner Todd B. Morgan seconded the motion. The roll was taken by voice; commissioners recorded support and the chair declared the motion carried.
Museum representatives emphasized the project's role as an anchor for Lexington Park redevelopment and described site-preparation work that has already been completed. The association said all funds required under the current construction contract are in hand and that it will cover contingencies if necessary.
The county will not advertise or award the contract until the Federal Highway Administration issues its concurrence to bid, and staff said they will return with procurement actions when authorized.
