More Funding, More Mobility: St. Mary’s County Transit System Sees Major FY26 Funding Boost

LEONARDTOWN, Md. — A significant increase in federal and state funding for public transportation took center stage at the Feb. 3 meeting of the Commissioners of St. Mary’s County. The Department of Public Works and Transportation (DPW&T) requested an amendment to its fiscal year 2026 operating budget to account for newly awarded grants for the St. Mary’s Transit System (STS).

The amendment reflects updated funding awards for STS that exceeded earlier projections used in the initial FY26 budget. The original budget, according to Board Docs, allocated $3,860,011 for the Statewide Transportation Assistance and Section 5311/5307 programs. Final grant awards totaled $4,284,658 — $2,142,321 in federal funds and $189,981 in state funds — requiring a local match of $1,842,103. The amendment increases federal revenue by $1,364,985 and state revenue by $265,999 to align the budget with the actual awards.

DPW&T Director John B. Norris III and Deputy Director Allison Swint presented the request. Norris emphasized that this year’s award was “particularly notable due to the new allocation method used by MTA, Maryland Transit Administration, and FTA, Federal Transit Administration,” adding that the increase was “largely driven by our increased ridership.” As a result, the St. Mary’s Transit System received $1,262,220 in additional funding for FY26.

In a memorandum to the commissioners, Norris outlined the broader scope of the FY26 St. Mary’s Transit System Annual Operating Grant. The total operating grant and budget for the year is $4,622,257, with $2,717,954 coming from federal and state sources and a local share of $1,904,303. These funds support public transportation routes throughout the county, Job Access and Reverse Commute programs, Americans with Disabilities Act services, and specialized transportation for seniors and residents with disabilities.

The expanded funding increased the required local match by $669,116, which DPW&T officials said was already included in the FY26 budget. “The total local match of $1,904,303 includes the additional $669,116 required by the increased grant awards,” Norris noted.

During the discussion, Commissioner Mike Hewitt sought clarification on the local match. “It says here, ‘local match to the increased funding has increased to $669,116’ … now you’re saying that it has already been budgeted?” he asked.

“That’s correct,” Norris responded. “It’s moving money, but it’s not new money.” Swint followed up and explained, “When the grant award comes in, if and when the numbers are different, we go in and we reallocate them.”

The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County annually review and approve transit grant awards. The FY25 St. Mary’s Transit System Operating Grant was initially approved on Dec. 3, 2024.

About The Department Of Public Works And Transportation

The Department of Public Works and Transportation of St. Mary’s County oversees the planning, development, and maintenance of the county’s infrastructure, including roads, bridges and public transportation services. With the increased FY26 funding, the St. Mary’s Transit System is better equipped to serve the community, expand mobility options and support residents of all ages and abilities throughout the county.

You can watch the meeting below, starting at 1:47:58.

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