Wicomico County Lands $660,000 in Airport Grants

Wicomico County, MD - Wicomico County has picked up another $200,000 in grant money to get land at the airport ready for new businesses. This latest award brings the county's total for the work to $660,000.

The money is going to the Salisbury-Ocean City: Wicomico Regional Airport (SBY). The new $200,000 comes from Fiscal Year 2026 Site Readiness grant funding.

Before this award, the county had already been given $460,000. That money came through the Maryland Business Ready Sites Program, which is run by the Maryland Economic Development Corporation (MEDCO).

The earlier $460,000 was made up of two grants. A $450,000 Site Improvement Grant is paying to prepare land for new aircraft hangars at the airport. A $10,000 Site Characterization Grant is paying for planning on a proposed business park right next to the airfield.

The goal is to have land ready before a business ever shows up. That means preparing sites for building and improving the infrastructure around them. County leaders say this gives Wicomico County a better chance at landing new businesses and good jobs.

"This is another major win for Wicomico County and our continued commitment to economic development," said County Executive Julie Giordano.

"We aren't just talking about bringing businesses and jobs to our community - we are doing the work to make it happen. By securing grant funding and preparing sites for development, we are creating real opportunities for businesses to invest, expand, and create jobs right here in Wicomico County."

The new $200,000 will build on the work that is already underway. County leaders hope it helps the airport grow into a regional center for aviation, aerospace and industrial businesses.

The airport has been a big focus for Giordano's administration. The county has been putting money into expanding the runway, upgrading taxiways, adding water and sewer lines, building hangars and training aviation workers.

The county is also working with Salisbury Wicomico Economic Development (SWED) to create more shovel-ready sites. A shovel-ready site is land that is already prepared, so construction can start without long delays. Clearing those hurdles early makes the county more appealing to companies looking for a place to set up shop.

Giordano said the grant money also helps keep costs off local taxpayers.

"Economic development doesn't happen by accident," Giordano said. "It takes planning, partnerships, and a willingness to invest in our future. Every dollar we secure through grants is another opportunity to move important projects forward while reducing the burden on our local taxpayers. Our goal is simple: bring jobs, attract investment, and keep Wicomico County moving forward."

Giordano thanked MEDCO, SWED, state partners and local economic development leaders for working with the county on these projects.

"Wicomico County is open for business, and we are making sure we have the infrastructure and opportunities in place to prove it," Giordano said.