Staff presented a new transportation theme in the draft comprehensive plan that emphasizes water access and a potential passenger ferry. The document includes Goal 16 language to "leverage potential passenger ferry to drive economic growth and tourism," and Goals 17–18 to foster regional connectivity and to promote sustainable implementation.

Liz Miltenstein of Visit St. Mary's confirmed that a feasibility study for the proposed ferry has been completed and offered to brief the commission further. Commissioners welcomed the idea but pressed staff for more details, asking whether the county had completed recent feasibility work and what infrastructure would be required.

The discussion shifted to airport growth under Goal 22. Staff described policy language to promote the airport as a "category 2 large general aviation facility" to attract new business, and a staff member indicated the runway extension and lighting are in place and that the runway is roughly 5,000 feet. Commissioners asked for confirmation of federal designations and whether land purchases needed for expansion were complete; staff said required land purchases and lighting installation are done.

Staff agreed to follow up with supporting materials (the ferry study, clarification of airport category and runway details) and to return to the commission with any recommended language edits or additional implementation items.