Capital Improvement Projects

Originally Published: December 7, 2023

What Are They? Project Examples…

Each year the County’s budget includes Capital Improvement Projects (CIP). Projects will have allocated funding, often spread across multiple years, recorded on data sheets by title, project number, and class. These data sheets also track total project cost, what has been spent, and the balance to complete along with a brief description of the project, funding sources, and possible future costs for upkeep. Decisions made by the Commissioners include approving or denying projects, moving funds to alter timelines, and okaying funding sources. When the Commissioners approve the final budget each May, the document includes all approved CIPs.

Projects were discussed during the first Budget Work Session on 11/28/23, with Commissioners weighing the merits of projects. CFO Jeanette Cudmore reviews new and additional funding requests then makes a recommendation to the Commissioners, who decide whether to accept the advice or provide direction to alter funding. The Department Director who oversees each project is usually present to answer questions and present their case for funding. What follows are some of the projects discussed at the first BWS, along with relevant background information.

Intersection of Wildewood Pkwy/MD 4. MDOT plans to widen MD4 to four lanes from FDR Blvd to Wildewood Parkway. (Plans to widen MD4 to four lanes, from MD 5 to 235, have been mentioned as far back as the 1988 Comprehensive Plan). The County sees the opportunity for other improvements, including left turn lanes and the addition of an access road, making this a four-way intersection. Going south of the intersection between the auto repair business and Ballet Caliente, the road would provide safer access to the surrounding businesses, who reportedly support the project. It would also allow the County’s Department of Public Works & Transportation (DPWT) to add a deceleration lane for DPWT vehicles to use. DPWT Director Jim Gotsch mentioned this access road could, eventually, continue west through the landfill and connect to FDR near First Colony Blvd. MDOT proposed a Memo of Understanding with the County to outline costs the County would be responsible for, estimated at $1.33M.

The largest project also belongs to DPWT, with $81.4M allocated over 5 years to roadway and safety improvements, with $48.3M allocated for asphalt overlay. Approximately $13.2M in funding is for design and installation of roundabouts to calm and improve traffic flow. Intersections studied for roundabouts include, in no specific order, Golden Beach/All Faith Church Rd; Wildewood Pkwy/Wildewood Blvd; St. John’s/Sandy Bottom Rd; FDR/First Colony Blvd; Golden Beach Rd/Triangle Dr; Tulagi Place/Shangri-La Dr; and Pegg Rd/Westbury Blvd.

CSM Leonardtown Building A Renovation, with a total cost of $14.2M, will be funded with $3.55M in County funds, allocated in FY26 and 27. This project was originally in the budget last year, but was pushed at the request of CSM. According to the CIP Sheet, this project will renovate and expand the building into a “three-floor Library and Learning Commons” to create “a hub of energy for student learning and adaptable workspaces” that is “key to the overall vision for the campus.” When complete, the Library, Math Resource Center, Writing Center, tutoring, disability support services, counseling, and the college store will all be housed in the building.

The Health Department building was built in 1962, and there is a need for additional space according to a 2015 space needs study. Renovation is not a preferred option because safety upgrades, including a sprinkler system, cannot be installed in the current space. At an estimated cost of $28.2M, the majority of which was proposed for FY29, the funding would largely come from the County. State law requires each county to house the Health Department, a state agency. Commissioner Hewitt suggested tabling the project, and the other Commissioners agreed, until they can get more information from the Health Department. This project has been discussed over the past several years.

A need for HVAC upgrades at the Charlotte Hall and Lexington Park Libraries, as well as a remodel and/or expansion of the Charlotte Hall location were reviewed. The Lexington Park location is the busiest library in SOMD, while Charlotte Hall’s use is expected to increase as development in the area happens. A recent study suggested the addition of study rooms, expanding teen space, adding a makerspace, art lab, and gallery space, as well as consolidating service areas at Lexington Park. Meanwhile, the two options in Charlotte Hall include a new 15-20K SF facility, or renovation and expansion of 5-10K SF. All told, $5.5M in funds are requested to cover the more immediate needs, with Charlotte Hall’s renovation not yet priced.

A sports complex, to be located in the area known as “St. Mary’s Crossing” in California, has nearly $7.4M allocated in FY30. Just over $200K has previously been approved for studies and administrative tasks to engage various agencies on this project, including the Maryland Stadium Authority (MSA). The County is hopeful that the MSA will cover a portion of the costs. I posted about this project previously: https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=298990946053996&id=100078292770976

Phase 8 of the Three Notch Trail is scheduled for construction in FY26, with $5.1M in funds allocated of which nearly $4.1M is federal funding. This phase of the trail will connect from Friendship School Road to Hollywood Road, a total of 4.5 miles.

FY25 has $21M allocated for the YMCA. The total funding breaks out to $15M in county bonds, $2M in federal funds, and $4M from “other sources”, likely representing fundraising. Commissioner Hewitt said fundraising efforts by the YMCA have already begun, and they are optimistic about raising what’s needed to complete the project. If there is a shortfall, the YMCA intends to borrow money to fill the gap according to Hewitt. Funding source numbers are subject to change if the state or federal government provides more, except for the $15M the county has committed.

CIPs and their funding are subject to change between now and the final approved budget. They can also change from year to year. For example, the County allocated funds for the development of Myrtle Point Park over several years, and delayed the project several times. Those actions tied up $2.2M in bonds (debt capacity), a total project cost of $2.795M, before being removed from the budget in FY19. It was then added back in FY20 and FY21, at $2.65M in bond funding, with a total cost of $3.175M. Removed in FY22, it was added back in FY23, and included in FY24, with $3M in bond funding and total cost of $3.4M. A kayak launch, picnic areas, trails, restrooms, boardwalks, parking, and shoreline access could've been completed two years ago, and $600K cheaper. CIPs included in the budget should be serious, well thought out, and necessary to meet the needs of all residents.