Commissioners approve airport SAF grant, transit safety plan and SHA option contracts

At the Jan. 27 meeting commissioners approved several infrastructure and transportation items.

Airport sustainable aviation fuel: John Norris, director of Public Works and Transportation, presented capital grant agreements supporting projects at the St. Mary’s County Regional Airport to install a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) system for jet-A operations. County staff said the system would be the first of its kind in Maryland to support a jet-grade sustainable aviation fuel blend. After questions about demand and storage capacity, the board approved an agreement between the State, Southern Maryland Navy Alliance Inc. and the commissioners and authorized the commissioner president to sign related documents.

Transit safety plan: Norris and deputy director Lisonbee Swint briefed commissioners on the St. Mary’s Transit System (STS) Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan (PTASP) annual update required by federal and state partners. Commissioners asked staff to clarify performance targets and the PTASP definition of a “safety event.” The board voted to approve the PTASP and authorized the commissioner president to sign related documents.

SHA option contracts: County attorney and Public Works staff presented two option contracts with the State Highway Administration to acquire fee simple property and easements along Route 245 (Hollywood Road) to extend sidewalks and support related improvements. The state proposed paying $29,900 for about 13,600 sq ft of fee simple land, plus sums for permanent and temporary easements; county staff said the work would not impact nearby recreation fields. Commissioners approved the two option contracts and authorized the president to execute documents.

Each of the three items passed by voice vote with no recorded opposition.