A multi-year project has officially wrapped up at the St. Mary’s County Regional Airport.
Nearly 1,100 feet has been added to the runway, giving the local airport the opportunity to accommodate defense aircraft, medevac, corporate jets, and other larger modes of transportation. The infrastructure improvement was made possible by federal, state, and local government investments.
In addition to the runway extension, the airport renovations include an updated terminal interior, exterior safety improvements, and new outdoor enhancements. The Maryland Department of Commerce provided $500,000 toward the creation of public gathering spaces outside the facility to help elevate the surrounding area.
The St. Mary’s County Regional Airport is one of the key anchors in the region’s AeroPark Innovation District, which also includes the University of Maryland UAS Research and Operations Center and the University System of Maryland at Southern Maryland, where students are learning about unmanned aircraft research and other emerging technologies. With these assets, it’s no surprise that St. Mary’s County has the highest concentration of aerospace engineers in the country.
“Extending this runway is not just about adding pavement, but also about increasing this region’s ability to attract the industries, the talent, and the jobs that will define our future. Innovation here is moving at full speed, autonomous systems research is happening at the highest level, and students are gaining the hands-on experience that leads directly to high-demand careers,” said Governor Wes Moore.
A recent report from the Maryland Aviation Administration shows that the St. Mary’s County Regional Airport supported an estimated 800 direct, indirect, and induced jobs on-site in 2024. The airport also generated more than $108 million in business revenue—which consists of businesses providing goods and services to commercial airlines, among other factors. In total, Maryland’s nearly three dozen public-use airports generate $1.4 billion in economic activity.
