St. Mary’s County Regional Airport runway extension project reached completion as Governor Wes Moore joined elected leaders for a ceremony marking the milestone on March 24, 2026. The project, which received nearly $1 million in state funding to help unlock federal grants, extended the runway from approximately 4,150 feet to more than 5,200 feet and included an updated terminal interior plus new outdoor enhancements.
The upgrades occurred at the St. Mary’s County Regional Airport in Leonardtown, Maryland. They allow the facility to accommodate larger aircraft, including medevac, corporate jets and defense-related planes. Previously, the runway supported only small piston aircraft. Officials said the changes open opportunities for potential commuter air service and support economic growth tied to aerospace and defense industries near Naval Air Station Patuxent River.
“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,” Moore said. “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.”
Maryland’s congressional delegation helped secure more than $22 million in federal funding through the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Improvement Program over more than 10 years. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks, both Democrats from Maryland, and Congressman Steny Hoyer, also a Maryland Democrat, joined in applauding the completion.
“Our regional airports serve as important local economic hubs,” Van Hollen said. “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.”
Alsobrooks highlighted the airport’s role in connectivity and national security. “Our regional airports play essential roles like keeping us connected, supporting our national security efforts, and more,” she said. “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.”
Hoyer noted the partnership with local and state entities. “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,” he said. “These exciting enhancements will help the airport continue operating safely and efficiently while supporting critical services and economic development in Southern Maryland. 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 Maryland Aviation Administration contributed five percent of construction costs, matching St. Mary’s County’s five percent share to meet the 10 percent non-federal requirement for FAA grants. The state also provided an additional $77,500 for safety improvements, including replacement of the airport’s rotating beacon and storm drain repairs on the airfield.
These infrastructure upgrades aim to attract private-sector aviation and technology firms to the adjacent AeroPark Innovation District. The district, anchored by the airport and close to Naval Air Station Patuxent River, includes education and research facilities along with planned residential and retail space. St. Mary’s County reports more aerospace engineers per capita than any other place in the country. The University System of Maryland at Southern Maryland trains students for aerospace careers.
In February 2024, Moore toured the new Southern Maryland Autonomous Research and Technology building on that campus. The 84,000-square-foot facility, funded entirely by the state at a cost of $86 million, nearly doubled the campus’s educational footprint and added space for autonomous systems research.
From 2023 to 2025, the Maryland Department of Commerce provided nearly $4 million in incentives to 33 aerospace businesses statewide. Programs include the Research & Development Tax Credit for companies investing in innovation and the ExportMD program, which offers grants up to $5,000 to help local firms reach global markets.
The project builds on years of planning. Earlier environmental assessments and master plans from 2002 and 2006 outlined the runway extension goals. Construction advanced in phases, with federal, state and county coordination ensuring compliance with FAA standards.
Southern Maryland leaders view the completed runway as a key step in positioning the region for growth in high-tech sectors. The airport serves as a general aviation facility with potential to expand services while supporting nearby military operations and civilian economic development.