Governor Moore Celebrates Completion of St. Mary’s County Regional Airport Runway Extension, Bolstering State’s Aerospace Tech Ecosystem

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Governor Wes Moore today joined elected leaders to mark the completion of the St. Mary’s County Regional Airport runway extension project, which received nearly $1 million in State funding to help unlock federal grants. The infrastructure project includes an updated terminal interior and new outdoor enhancements, and marks a continuation of the Moore-Miller Administration’s work to grow Maryland’s economy by investing in lighthouse industries such as aerospace and defense.

“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,” said Gov. Moore. “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. So when we invest here, we send a clear message: Maryland is open for business, and Maryland is ready to compete—and win.”

The project extended the St. Mary’s County Regional Airport runway from approximately 4,150 feet to more than 5,200 feet, paving the way for potential commuter air service opportunities and allowing the airport to accommodate larger aircraft, including medevac, corporate jets, and defense-related aircraft. Prior to the extension, the runway could only accommodate small piston aircraft.

The project was made possible through a combination of Federal Aviation Administration grants championed by Maryland’s congressional delegation, State grants, and St. Mary’s County investments. The Maryland Aviation Administration covered five percent of construction costs, along with the County’s five percent share, allowing Maryland to meet the 10 percent non-federal funding portion required for Federal Aviation Administration construction grants. Additionally, the State contributed $77,500 in grant support to replace the airport’s rotating beacon, provide storm drain repairs on the airfield, and implement other safety improvements.

“Our regional airports serve as impor​tant local economic hubs,” said Senator Chris Van Hollen, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “These upgrades to the St. Mary’s County Regional Airport will expand opportunities not just in Leonardtown, but also throughout the County, for those who support the mission of NAS PAX river, and for the entire Southern Maryland region. That’s why we fought for years to deliver over $22 million in federal investments to support these upgrades to the airport and its runway. Today’s milestone is a result of those hard-fought dollars and our partnership with state and local leaders.”

“Our regional airports play essential roles like keeping us connected, supporting our national security efforts, and more,” said Senator Angela Alsobrooks. “With this more than $22 million in federal investment, St. Mary’s regional airport will be able to support larger aircraft like medevac and defense-related aircraft. This critical investment will strengthen our state’s position as a leader in aerospace, defense, and technology.”

“I was glad to join the ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of the runway and terminal expansion projects at the St. Mary’s County Regional Airport. These exciting enhancements will help the airport continue operating safely and efficiently while supporting critical services and economic development in Southern Maryland,” said Congressman Steny Hoyer. “I thank the Commissioners of St. Mary's County and the Maryland Department of Public Works and Transportation for their partnership and work to implement these critical upgrades at the St. Mary's airport and facilities across our region. I remain proud to support these federal investments in Southern Maryland's infrastructure and economy.”

The infrastructure upgrades unveiled today are critical to attracting private-sector aviation and technology firms to the adjacent AeroPark Innovation District, which is anchored by the airport and in close proximity to the Patuxent River Naval Air Station. The AeroPark Innovation District—which includes education and research facilities as well as residential and retail space—is emerging as a major center for aerospace sector growth.

St. Mary’s County has more aerospace engineers per capita than any place in the country, and is home to the University System of Maryland at Southern Maryland, where students are being trained to enter aerospace fields.

In February 2024, Governor Moore toured the new Southern Maryland Autonomous Research and Technology, or SMART, building on the University System of Maryland at Southern Maryland campus. The 84,000-square foot academic and research facility nearly doubled the educational footprint of the campus, created autonomous systems research space, and spurred economic growth in the region. The construction of the $86 million building was entirely state-funded.

From 2023 to 2025, the Maryland Department of Commerce provided nearly $4 million in incentives to 33 aerospace business recipients across the state. Through programs such as the Research & Development Tax Credit, which provides income tax credits to businesses that invest in research and development efforts in the state, and the ExportMD program, which provides grants up to $5,000 to help local companies market their goods and services to global customers, Maryland is continuing to provide critical support to bolster aerospace sector growth.

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