The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County have renewed the Intergovernmental Support Agreement (IGSA) between Naval Air Station Patuxent River and the county. This cooperative agreement extends mutual benefits to the county and the Navy through cost-saving initiatives and shared funding opportunities and creates a unified approach to resist any negative BRAC impacts for two more years.
According to NAS Patuxent River Public Affairs, “In fiscal year 2020, the agreement enabled eight completed projects at NAS Patuxent River and saved the taxpayers nearly $1 million in road repair and maintenance. The IGSA streamlines contracting and execution for these projects by leveraging St. Mary’s County’s existing contracts for road maintenance services, which in turn provides NAS Patuxent River greater flexibility in its requests for road repair.”
During the meeting, CAPT John Brabazon, Commanding Officer, NAS Pax outlined multiple upcoming reconstruction projects the Navy will be undertaking, including extensive construction to Gates 2 and 3, and at Webster Field. The county will work with the base to provide construction services on these projects. CAPT Brabazon said he “could not be more excited about the IGSA with St. Mary’s County.” Brabazon went on to say that NAS Patuxent River is the first installation in the world to receive approval to increase local authority for spending under this agreement to $2M. He expressed appreciation for the county’s assistance and maintenance for 79 miles of roads on the base’s fence line
John Deatrick, Director, Public Works and Transportation, reiterated the uniqueness of this partnership, “these IGSA’s haven’t been done in other places.” Deatrick outlined the benefits of the agreement, including the collaborative relationship and economic boost to the county. Line items in the IGSA fund staff and crews for related work projects.
Commissioner President Randy Guy said, “I am proud to sign this agreement; it is mutually beneficial to the county and the Navy. The Navy is the largest contributor to our county’s economy, creating jobs and futures for our families. He went on to say, “The expansion at St. Mary’s County Regional Airport is due in part to the extensive research and testing capabilities coming directly out of Pax River.”
The joint meeting can be viewed on the St. Mary’s County Government YouTube Channel. For more information, please contact the Public Information Office at [email protected].
