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UMMS projects — cancer center, Easton regional facility and Shock Trauma upgrades — proceed amid cost and encumbrance questions
Summary
University of Maryland Medical System representatives and DLS presented project updates on the Greenbaum Comprehensive Cancer Center expansion, Easton Regional Health Facility and Shock Trauma Phase 3; DLS sought an operating cost estimate for Shock Trauma’s trauma resuscitation unit and an update on $76 million in unencumbered GO bond balances.
DLS analyst Naomi Kamora presented the fiscal 2026 capital allowance for the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS), which includes three projects: expansion of the Greenbaum Comprehensive Cancer Center (a 9‑story addition to the Baltimore campus), a new Regional Health Facility in Easton, and renovations to the R. Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center (including a Trauma Resuscitation Unit, or TRU).
Kamora told the committee the FY26 allowance for UMMS totals $52.3 million in GO bonds alongside $94.5 million in UMMS‑provided funding. DLS raised concerns that upgrades to the TRU could increase operating costs and asked UMMS to estimate those increases. UMMS representatives said they are validating expected construction cost increases caused by COVID‑era delays and market effects and expect detailed projections by Q1 FY26; they said TRU Phase 3 remains on schedule for completion in FY28.
DLS also identified an unencumbered balance of approximately $76,000,000 in GO bonds as of August 2024. UMMS said that DGS (the Department of General Services) resolved a portal issue in late 2024 that had blocked some grants, that the affected grants have been activated in DGS’s new grants portal, and that UMMS is prepared to encumber the funds. UMMS told the committee it met with DGS representatives the week of the hearing and expected to encumber those funds promptly.
Representatives from UMMS and its hospitals described project benefits. Dr. Kristy Snedeker of Shock Trauma said the TRU renovation will expand resuscitation bays from 13 to 21, upgrade the hyperbaric chamber and expand acute care beds; she said Phase 3 is on schedule despite earlier pandemic‑related delays and credited prior supplemental operational funding with improving capacity metrics. Dr. Taufik Owenigoku (Greenbaum Cancer Center) said the addition will double space, add inpatient beds (from 52 to 62) and increase outpatient capacity; UMMS emphasized the role of clinical trials and access for underserved and rural populations.
Ken Kozel of University of Maryland Shore Regional Health described the Easton Regional Medical Center project: the FY26 allowance includes $20,000,000 in GO bonds of a $105.2 million project; the project is planned to open in summer 2028 and is expected to create construction jobs and increase capacity on the Mid‑Shore.
DLS recommended approving the governor’s allowance and asked UMMS to provide cost and encumbrance updates; UMMS committed to follow up. The hearing record shows no formal vote.
