HAGERSTOWN, Md – Hagerstown Regional Airport broke ground on Tuesday, April 7, for an expansion before a select crowd of over 30 local dignitaries. An additional 4,800 square feet will be added to the east end of the existing 23,910 square foot terminal.
The regional airport, a travel mainstay of western Maryland with service to Florida (Orlando/Sanford and St Pete/Clearwater) and South Carolina (Myrtle Beach) will get expanded ticketing areas, additional gate seating, an updated terminal for more future passengers and full American’s with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance.
Airports in general create a tremendous amount of economic activity. The Maryland Aviation Administration notes that more than 40 on-airport aviation-related businesses support the varied needs of nearly all types and sizes of aircraft at the airport. An additional 45 businesses including many industrial and ground transportation facilities operate in the immediate vicinity.
This is why the airport alone accounts for over $190 million in total economic activity, taking into account both direct and indirect impacts, as well as tax income supporting local public services. It also explains the widespread interest in supporting airport expansions when feasible.
Several common themes emerged in remarks of state and local dignitaries.
Washington County Board of County Commissioners President John Barr noted the continued growth “enhanced the value of an asset many communities our size lack.” He applauded the continuing investment and its near term impact on construction jobs,as well as its long term impact on growth.
Michelle Gordon, county administrator, observed this next step for the airport is a result of a partnership between state and local agencies that enhances the “front door for our area”, and constitutes an invitation to new airline partners in the future.
The partners Gordon was referring to are those who provided financing for the $5.1 million effort, including:
• $4.3M from the Federal Aviation Administration
• $472K from the Maryland Aviation Administration
• $344K from Washington County government
Pic 4 – Caption: “Commerce Secretary Harry Coker, Jr delivering remarks. Seated beside him are (from the left) are Maryland Aviation Administration Director Shannetta Griffin, Washington County Administrator Michelle Gordon, and County Commissioner and President John Barr.”
Maryland Department of Commerce Secretary Harry Coker, Jr, touted how this expansion acts as an economic driver for the region by providing for increased capacity and even a potential crew base. He expressed satisfaction with this project because the airport has proven that investments here work and is money well spent.
He went on to say that so many of these ceremonies address the “what” of the project, but don’t cover the “why.” In this case it is to make the airport a bridge to a broader world, characterizing the expansion as an economic center comparable to I-81 for the immediate region. He concluded his remarks by presenting a citation to the airport manager, Neil Doran, for he and his team’s foresight and hard work.
Shannetta Griffin, executive director/CEO of the Maryland Aviation Administration, said airports are critical to growing communities. She offered thanks to all involved in business development and to the Department of Commerce who is instrumental in state plans for America’s 250th Anniversary.
She commented about how the airport has been a center of aviation activity since the early 20th century, leading eventually to a home for Fairchild Aviation (note: a company which at its peak employed over 10,000 people in and around Hagerstown). She added that it is a power of aviation to connect people and possibilities.
Finally, Paul Frey, president/CEO of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce, quoted a former boss as saying “if you’re not growing, you’re dying.” He commented on the Chamber’s motto “growth, community, success” and offered a brief history of the Chamber,
Founded in 1919, the Chamber provided a $50,000 loan to a precursor of Fairchild. He noted that many years later, the organization was quite satisfied with the investment. He presented a certificate of recognition for the airport team led by Neil Doran, who put the project together.
Work by Callas Contractors, a major building construction firm in the four-state area of Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia and Virginia, is expected to begin next week, with terminal expansion to be completed by late calendar year 2027.
