HAGERSTOWN, Md. – Washington County commissioners will consider awarding a $272,352 construction contract Tuesday for the next major phase of a new training center at Black Rock Golf Course.
The proposed contract with GRC General Contractors of Zullinger, Pennsylvania, would cover construction of a steel driving-range canopy and masonry storage building, along with foundations, lighting, electrical, plumbing and mechanical work.
County crews have already completed site preparation, mass grading and erosion and sediment control work.
The training center is planned to include covered and open driving bays, a short-game area and synthetic-grass putting and chipping greens. County officials say the facility is intended to provide year-round training opportunities for community organizations, student athletes and golfers.
Commissioners will also be asked to transfer $150,000 in savings from two other capital projects to help fund the Black Rock work and remaining improvements. The money would include $75,000 from the Sideling Hill Park project and $75,000 from a hard-court surfaces project.
The Washington County Public Golf Corporation, which is sponsoring the training center, is continuing to raise private money for later phases. Remaining work outside the proposed contract includes putting and chipping greens, fencing, paving and driving-range equipment.
$2.37 million in gaming funds to be announced
The Washington County Gaming Commission will announce the distribution of nearly $2.37 million in fiscal 2026 gaming funds to local charitable organizations and the Washington County Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association.
The commission had $2.37 million available for distribution, about $20,400 more than the previous year. State law directs half of the gaming revenue to the volunteer fire and rescue association, with the remainder available to charitable organizations.
The commission received 89 applications from 74 charitable organizations seeking more than $3 million. Individual awards are scheduled to be announced during Tuesday’s meeting following a review process and June funding hearing.
Security upgrades proposed at 9 county facilities
Commissioners will consider spending $214,700 to replace aging security equipment at nine county facilities, including the Washington County Administration Complex, County Office Building and Conococheague Wastewater Treatment Plant.
County officials say some of the existing hardware is no longer reliable and replacement parts are unavailable. The new equipment would also support more modern encryption technology.
The largest share, about $99,000, would be spent at the Administration Complex, while approximately $45,860 would go toward the Conococheague plant. Other upgrades are proposed at the County Transit Center, three highway department facilities, Public Safety Training Center and Agricultural Education Center.
New economic development zone proposed
Commissioners will be asked to authorize the county Department of Business and Economic Development to serve as the local point of contact for a new Regional Institution Strategic Enterprise Zone, or RISE, economic development program.
Hagerstown Community College has agreed to serve as the educational institution anchoring the zone. The program can offer qualifying businesses enhanced biotechnology investor tax credits, waivers of state business filing fees, priority consideration for Build Our Futures grants and access to a business concierge service.
HCC does not want to assume the administrative responsibilities associated with the program, according to the agenda packet, prompting the county economic development department to offer to serve as the public contact. MEDCO would handle the program’s other operations and responsibilities.
Water system improvements planned
Commissioners will also consider redirecting $165,664 left over from a completed Sharpsburg water meter project toward improvements in Cascade and at the Sharpsburg Water Treatment Plant.
The proposal would transfer $130,000 to the Cascade Town Center Water System, which has been connected to the Highfield system and needs additional infrastructure, meters and repairs to improve water-use monitoring and billing. The remaining $35,664 would fund valve improvements at the Sharpsburg plant.
The commissioners meet at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 11, at the Washington County Administration Building, 100 W. Washington St. in Hagerstown. The meeting will also be livestreamed. For the full agenda, click here.
