Commissioners tentatively place $555,737 grant for Patuxent River Naval Air Museum in FY2016 draft capital budget

St. Mary's County commissioners on Jan. 26 discussed a capital request from the Patuxent River Naval Air Museum Association and signaled support for adding $555,737 to the FY2016 draft capital budget to fund improvements to museum buildings and infrastructure.

Staff and commissioners said much of the museum property containing the aircraft collection sits on county‑owned parcels, while the airplanes themselves are federal property on loan. The museum association asked for capital funding to upgrade three buildings (including a central collection/work area identified as Building C) and to address HVAC and flooring problems in the existing exhibit space; staff explained some of the existing buildings are in poor condition and that Building C would need roughly $248,000 to become a usable collection and exhibit preparation space.

Proponents argued improvements would support tourism, provide a reception option for visitors who cannot access the adjacent base gate and help the museum host large exhibits from defense contractors. Staff and several commissioners also raised concerns about the museum’s operating costs; the association estimated current overhead at about $7,500 a month and projected operating costs for the new building and Building C of roughly $12,500 a month. Several commissioners said the county should consider bringing the museum into the county museum system or otherwise ensure recurring operating funding is addressed if capital work proceeds.

After extended discussion about economic development benefits, parking and coordination with the base (including potential fence‑line adjustments to create parking outside the base entrance), the board indicated consensus to include the $555,737 capital amount in the FY2016 draft capital budget and to continue work on operational and partnership details.