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Council approves airport ACIP, awards Rails-to-Trails bid and lists FY27 congressional funding priorities
Summary
Council approved the FY27–31 Airport Capital Improvement Plan and awarded the Cambridge Rails to Trails contract for $753,364; staff also recommended six projects for the FY27 Congressionally Directed Spending application, totaling multiple priorities contingent on matches.
Dorchester County Council on Feb. 17 approved several capital and project recommendations, including the Airport’s FY2027–2031 Capital Improvement Plan (ACIP), a contract award for the Cambridge Rails to Trails project, and staff recommendations for FY27 Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) applications.
Airport Director Steve Nuwer requested approval of the FY27–31 ACIP for submission to the Federal Aviation Administration. The council approved the plan 4–0, listing FY27 projects contingent on future budget approvals: Airfield Wildlife Fencing Construction (Phase 3) for $400,000 with a 25% county share and Airfield Wildlife Fencing CA/CI (Phase 3) for $40,000 (100% county funded).
On procurement, staff recommended awarding Bid No. 2026-01 (Cambridge Rails to Trails, Washington Street to Woods Road) to Harper & Sons, Inc. at a low bid of $753,364.00; the project will be funded through a Rural Maryland Economic Development grant and a DNR Greenspace Equity grant. The council approved the award 4–0. County Manager Jerry Jones recognized Wayne Suggs, City of Cambridge Public Works Director, for collaboration on the project.
Staff also recommended a slate of projects to include in an FY27 CDS application (application portal opened Feb. 17; deadline March 15, 2026). Recommended projects include: a Stormwater & Wastewater vacuum truck ($400,000, 20% match); wastewater pump stations ($1,200,000, up to 25% match); wastewater treatment equipment ($480,000, 20% match); a portable bridge ($500,000, 25% match); initial planning for a public safety building ($250,000, match TBD); and Jacktown pump station capacity increase for housing ($200,000, no match). The council approved the recommendations 4–0.
Why it matters: The ACIP approval allows staff to pursue FAA funding and planning; the Rails-to-Trails award advances an active-transportation project supported by state and local grants; the CDS list sets county priorities for federal-directed funding applications.
What happens next: Staff will submit the ACIP to the FAA, proceed with contract execution and project kickoff with Harper & Sons pending funding, and prepare and submit CDS applications before the March 15 deadline.
