Wicomico County releases highlights of upcoming 2026 Capital Improvement Plan

WICOMICO COUNTY, Md. – The Office of the Wicomico County Executive Monday released a preview of projects that will be part of the county’s 2026 Capital Improvement Plan. Included are multiple projects at Salisbury Regional Airport: hangar roof rehabilitation and fire suppression systems.

“Our airport obviously is an economic jewel. We realize that. We also know that you have to consistently put money into it. It is definitely not a place you want to defer maintenance,” said County Executive Julie Giordano.

Also among the highlights are planned renovations at the Mason Dixon Sports Complex in Delmar. Director of Wicomico County Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Steve Miller said that in addition to a general facelift there will be improvements to public safety: “Currently, there’s not onsite parking at the park, so people end up parking along the railroad tracks and are having to cross a very busy street to get to and from the park…So it’s going to create onsite parking, much safer pathways to get to in and out of the facility.”

Phase one of the project, expected to begin late 2025, has been made possible by funding from the state of Maryland.

“We were able to secure $1.1 million. So we want to continue on with that project. It’s a great tourist attraction. It’s definitely going to help us with our USSSA tournament and things like that,” said Giordano.

Giordano said they released these projects from the upcoming CIP ahead of time so the public might have a real chance to provide input.

“This was just a way for us to sort of spark the interest of the community. If there are projects that people want to see done or if there is funding that they want to see allocated, you have to come out and make your voice heard.”

Also listed in Monday’s release:

• Consolidation of the Health Department as plans advance to move the department to the Verizon building off Mt. Hermon the county purchased last year
• Upgrades to the Civic Center, including escalator and elevator projects
• A plan for evaluation of Connelly Mill Park in 2030

The final version of the county’s 2026 Capital Improvement Plan will be handed over to council the third week of December.

The official public hearing for the CIP will be on Wednesday, November 13th, at the Civic Center starting at 6pm.