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Talbot County airport managers outline runway shift, submit $7.4M FAA grant and flag $3M congressional earmark
Summary
Airport officials told the county council that a multi‑year modernization program is entering major construction phases, including electrical upgrades and a 1,900‑foot runway shift; they said a $7.4 million federal grant application was filed and a $3 million congressional appropriation is pending.
Airport Manager Michael Richer told the Talbot County Council the airport’s multi‑year modernization program is moving into major construction stages, with package two near final grade, package three electrical upgrades wrapping up, and planning underway to place a new runway within the next 12 months. “We actually just submitted grant applications today for a $7.4 million total project cost. $6.7 million of that’s coming from the FAA,” Richer said, adding the airport’s local share is modest and included in the FY27 budget.
Richer said the planned runway will be shifted about 1,900 feet to the southwest and that activity on smaller runway 1533 was accelerated so it can handle traffic while the main runway is closed for construction. He also reported strong operational metrics: the airport set its fourth‑highest year of fuel sales despite active construction, and the authority has invested in electrical infrastructure and a new vault to power airfield systems.
Jeff Langford, the airport business manager, described outreach and workforce development efforts that accompany the capital work, including school visits, a mobile flight simulator and the aviation career education fund used to introduce students to aviation careers. Langford noted the airport’s digital engagement and discovery flight programs as part of community outreach.
Richer told the council the county applied for federal funding that would cover approximately 95% of hard costs under FAA formulas and that the county included contingency and administration funds in the FY27 budget. He also said the airport received favorable news on a pending congressional community project funding request “approximately $3 million” that is moving through appropriations.
The council did not take additional action on the project during the meeting; Richer said work will continue under the approved capital plan and that the county will pursue the layered federal funding package.
