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Governor Moore pledges state backing as St. Mary's County celebrates runway extension
Summary
Officials marked completion of a 1,200-foot extension at Saint Mary's County Regional Airport, citing $108 million in annual business revenue, 917 jobs and a nearly $1,000,000 state investment; county leaders outlined next steps including runway resurfacing and a public airport master plan update.
Saint Mary's County officials and state leaders on March 24 celebrated the completion of a 1,200-foot runway extension and related upgrades at Saint Mary's County Regional Airport, saying the improvements will boost safety, operational capacity and the county's AeroPark Innovation District.
David Weiskopf, the Saint Mary's County administrator, opened the ribbon-cutting ceremony by detailing the airport's local economic footprint: "A $108,000,000 is the amount of business revenue that is generated by this airport," he said, adding that the facility supports about 917 jobs, generates $80,000,000 in personal income and contributes roughly $17,000,000 in state and local taxes.
The ceremony featured remarks from Gov. Wes Moore, who said the state is providing support for the project. "The state of Maryland is backing that mission with a nearly $1,000,000 investment in this runway," Moore said, framing the funding as part of broader efforts to invest in communities across the state.
Randy Guy, president of the Saint Mary's County Board of Commissioners, described the runway extension as the product of decades of local planning and cross-government partnership. Guy read a county proclamation recognizing the project's components, including the 1,200-foot runway extension; extension of Taxiway 0A; installation of new airfield lighting and navigational systems; and interior and exterior terminal enhancements.
Mister Norris, introduced as the county's director of public works and transportation, thanked federal, state and local partners and said the next major work will be resurfacing the existing runway. He also announced an upcoming airport master plan update and invited input from pilots, tenants, neighbors, businesses and residents on the airport's direction over the next 10 to 20 years.
Scott Osterin presented a senatorial citation from Sen. Jack Bailey recognizing the runway completion and noting the extension increases the airport's ability to accommodate larger aircraft; the citation is dated 03/24/2026. Michael Bier, director of intergovernmental affairs for the comptroller's office, presented a citation on behalf of the comptroller, offering congratulations and best wishes for the facility's future operations.
Rep. Steny Hoyer, who delivered extended remarks about the region's aerospace and defense ecosystem, said federal support and local partnerships have been critical to the area's success and urged continued investment in technology and workforce development.
The event concluded with a benediction by Reverend Dr. Andrea Cummings and the ceremonial ribbon-cutting. County officials and invited partners noted that, beyond the extension, runway resurfacing and a community-driven airport master plan are planned next steps; funding sources for those future projects were described generally (federal and state grants and local participation) but detailed budgets or timelines were not specified.
