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Chair: Runway extension bringing more traffic to county airport
Summary
The Chair said a recent runway extension at the county airport has increased corporate traffic and fuel sales, noting staff installed a new fuel tank and a corporate jet purchased 500 gallons of jet fuel — an early sign of local economic benefit.
The Chair opened the meeting by reporting that a recent runway extension at the county airport is already attracting more traffic and some commercial activity. He said the change has led to increased hangar rentals and a rise in corporate visits.
Why it matters: Improved airport capacity can support local businesses and bring transient fuel and services revenue to St. Mary's County. The Chair placed the development in the context of post‑9/11 demand for small‑aircraft spaces and described the runway work as an investment with early returns.
According to the Chair, airport staff installed a new fuel tank to support larger refueling needs. "One of the attendants here told me that they had a corporate jet come in here and said they called ahead and said, could you have 500 gallons of fuel I can buy from you?" he said, describing staff then providing fuel to the jet.
The Chair said hangar space demand rose after 9/11 and that the runway extension "even brought in more traffic," citing that anecdote as evidence the project is already producing activity. He framed the revenue from fuel sales and increased ramp usage as part of the project's early payoff.
The remarks were presented as an informational update during the meeting's opening; the Chair did not propose formal follow‑up actions or identify specific budget changes tied to the airport improvements at this session.
The meeting then moved on to other agenda items.
