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Queen Anne's County airports and public landings present modest operating shifts; FAA grant planned for Bay Bridge South Apron design
Summary
County staff said Bay Bridge Airport and public landings are largely self‑funded; the airport expects a slight revenue decrease and requested a $4,800 jet‑fuel truck lease, while the South Apron safety enhancement design is programmed with $295,000 next year and 90% FAA grant funding.
County budget staff reviewed airport and public landings budgets at the April 1 work session, saying the Bay Bridge Airport and county public landings remain largely self‑funded but include several capital requests in the five‑year plan.
"It's a self funded entity, and the airport covers its own expenses and is expecting a slight decrease next year, at negative 3.1%," the director of budget and finance said, summarizing the airport operating forecast. The director also noted a $4,800 enhancement request for a jet‑fuel truck lease; the line item had been preliminarily approved by the county administrator.
On the capital side, staff said the South Apron Safety Enhancement design at Bay Bridge Airport is programmed for $295,000 next year and is expected to be funded 90% by a Federal Aviation Administration grant. "We're desperately in need of repairs to the South Apron," an airport staff member said, noting the project would replace the apron, reposition tie‑downs and expand the apron toward Route 8.
Public landings operations were described as stable overall; staff noted budgeted transfers from the general fund may not be needed if fund balance covers unrealized expenses. The public landings operating budget carries a modest 6.9% increase largely from fixed staff and electricity costs. County staff warned of an expected ~20% increase in electricity costs regionally next year and said the county participates in a bulk power purchasing arrangement.
Capital requests for public landings include a $75,000 placeholder for Kent Narrows breakwater/jetty repairs next year that staff said is contingent on a Maryland DNR Waterway Improvement Program grant. Staff said a prior grant application was unsuccessful and the county continues to pursue state funding.
Why it matters: the FAA grant for apron design would cover most design costs for a project that county staff called essential to meeting current standards; Kent Narrows repair funding remains contingent on state grant awards. Public landings cost increases are modest but affected by rising energy prices.
Next steps: staff said some airport and public landings construction items are programmed for later years in the capital plan and that commissioners will consider final funding decisions as the FY26 budget is finalized.
