Wicomico Co. Faces Funding Shortfalls for Fruitland Primary Elementary Construction

FRUITLAND. Md. — Wicomico County is facing funding troubles for a major construction project.

Funding gaps and delays at the state level have created issues concerning the construction of the new Fruitland Primary School. State financial troubles have threatened the project’s timeline.

Wicomico County will need to contribute an additional $15 million to the school’s construction. If the county does not intervene, construction could come to a halt.

“Right now, in order for Fruitland to move forward and continue on in 2027, the Board of Education needs about $30 million, and they’re going to be about $15 million short. That $15.2 million right now can fluctuate depending on various factors, but that will have to be forward-funded by us,” Wicomico County Executive Julie Giordano said.

Giordano said the amount the county will need to contribute could go up or down, but leaders are doing their best to save money where they can. She added that other priorities will need to be reevaluated in the meantime.

“Until we are paid back by the state, we really can’t move forward with any large capital projects. We will still fund things like school safety and HVAC projects, smaller projects. But when it comes to those really large, expensive projects, like a new school, we really need to be paid back.”

Officials hope the new school’s projected opening date in 2027 will not change. The county is exploring options like green energy to reduce construction costs.

“If we use a lot of green energy, that can bring the cost down through credits and other savings. They are really looking at every way to save money and putting pressure on the Interagency Commission on School Construction to meet the target we set,” Giordano said.