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Camden County commissioners vote 4–1 to withdraw from proposed replacement airport project
Summary
The Camden County Board of Commissioners voted 4–1 on April 7 to formally withdraw from further pursuit of the proposed replacement airport project, citing tight county finances and higher near‑term priorities such as a public safety complex and jail improvements.
The Camden County Board of Commissioners voted 4–1 on April 7 to formally withdraw the county from pursuit of a proposed replacement general‑aviation airport.
The motion to withdraw passed after extended public comment and discussion about costs, community support and competing capital needs. Commissioners who supported withdrawal cited the county s inability to absorb the project's potential long‑term costs and said money should be redirected to the public safety complex and jail improvements. One commissioner said the county "can't afford to do this" and urged concentrating on urgent infrastructure needs.
The airport project had been discussed for years. Staff told the board that consultant work and outreach had been completed and that the last required consultant payment had been sent; no additional consultant obligations were reported. During discussion, staff and board members also noted money that had been set aside in prior years for a replacement airport; one speaker said more than $4 million had been reserved in the past by a federal partner for a replacement airport.
Representative Sain told commissioners he would "advocate alongside us for federal intervention" if the county withdraws, and staff said they would seek guidance on whether the transportation funds earmarked for the airport could be reprogrammed for other local transportation needs.
Public commenters urged withdrawal during the meeting. Emily Flor, a St. Mary's Riverkeeper, said during public comment: "Thank you for withdrawing from the airport," and other residents urged the board to stop the project and prioritize local needs.
The board did not vote on a specific reallocation plan at the meeting. Commissioners instructed staff to note the withdrawal for planning purposes; the item will be removed from active pursuit and the county will consider options for any previously earmarked funds, subject to state and federal rules.
The vote was recorded as approved 4–1. The board moved on to other agenda business following the vote.
