At the 2026 Economic Outlook event, County Administrator Todd Mohn led a discussion outlining how strategic infrastructure investments are laying the foundation for long-term economic growth, environmental protection, and quality of life across the county. Mohn along with a panel of subject matter experts focused on education facilities, public safety, water and sewer capacity, recreation amenities, transportation planning, and technology infrastructure, highlighting how coordinated planning supports both residents and businesses.
Mohn opened the discussion by emphasizing that infrastructure priorities are established through the County’s annual budget process, informed by county departments, partner agencies, the Board of Education, and public input, and ultimately approved by the County Commissioners. These investments are designed to meet current needs while preparing for future growth.
Mohn emphasized the heavy investment with the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future. This year investments will include support for early childhood education, providing high quality and diverse teachers and career readiness for students. Additional capital projects highlighted, include the recent opening of the Board of Education Administration Building, planning and design for a replacement middle school in Centreville, systemwide school renovations, and future capacity expansions at Queen Anne’s County and Kent Island high schools. The County is also supporting the advancement of a new technology center at Chesapeake College, which will strengthen workforce training and career readiness opportunities.
Infrastructure planning also includes major public safety investments. The County is partnering with the University of Maryland Medical System to support construction of a new regional hospital serving not only Queen Anne’s County but the entire Mid-Shore, a critical project that will expand access to healthcare and emergency services. Planning efforts are also underway to address long-term detention center needs and other public safety facilities.
Significant progress continues on water and sewer projects that protect the environment while supporting responsible growth. The County is nearing completion of the South Kent Island sewer expansion, which will serve more than 1,500 existing homes and 500 new homes. Additional planning is underway for sewer service extensions in other priority areas such as the Dominion / Marling Farms neighborhoods. We are also planning for our final public water system interconnection project that will connect the Kent Narrows to the Grasonville area and will improve reliability and fire protection.
Mohn also announced the recent rerating of the Kent Island wastewater treatment plant, which allocates an additional 300,000 gallons of capacity. This will most likely be the extent of the capacity. The county introduced a temporary moratorium on residential building, to give time to plan for allocation to support residential growth, business needs and institutional needs moving forward.
From a recreation and tourism perspective, the County is advancing projects that enhance connectivity and community amenities, including the planned pedestrian bridge linking the Cross Island Trail and South Island Trail over U.S. 50, and development of a future community recreation center serving central and southern Queen Anne’s County.
Mohn also touched on a lofty goal of the county prior to the pandemic to expand broadband service to every resident and business. With the incredible leadership of IT Support Manager, Megan DelGaudio, we are nearing completion of that project. We also now have 5 broadband and television providers in the county. You can read more about the expansion of broadband here https://qac.org/m/NewsFlash/home/detail/3138
Public Facilities Planner Steve Cohoon provided an overview of the Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance (APFO), a long-standing county tool that ensures infrastructure keeps pace with development. The APFO evaluates whether water, sewer, schools, and roads can support new projects before approvals are granted, providing predictability for developers while safeguarding public investments. When capacity constraints exist, the ordinance allows for mitigation or phased development until infrastructure is in place. The APFO also provides predictability in the planning and budget process. This applies to large residential projects with over 20 units such as apartments and subdivisions and commercial projects that will develop more than 25 peak hour trips. This is a county ordinance and does not apply to the incorporated towns within the county.
Melissa Williams, Director of Planning and Program Development, with the Maryland Transportation Authority provided an update on the replacement of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. Her presentation included an update on the process, where the project currently stands and what to expect next. Williams shared the exciting announcement that on December 18th, MDTA’s Board approved alternative C as the MDTA’s preferred alternative. The benefits of replacing the existing two spans include two new 4 lane spans that will enhance safety and expand capacity. The new bridges will significantly limit the need for 2-way operations and provide full-width shoulders for maintenance and emergency operations. On January 23rd the Environmental Impact Study was released. Physical copies are available at several county buildings and at the library and it is available digitally at https://www.baycrossingstudy.com/. There will be a public hearing which will be held on February 12 from 5-8PM at Kent Island High School and offer residents the opportunity to learn more and give feedback.
Together, the discussion underscored Queen Anne’s County’s commitment to long-term infrastructure planning that supports economic vitality while protecting community character and environmental resources. Through continued collaboration with state agencies, regional partners, and residents, the County is positioning itself to meet future demands while maintaining a high quality of life for those who live and work here.
You can watch the entire presentation on QACTV’s YouTube channel or by this link https://youtu.be/9adPeSt-nJk?si=Q7WTvE1w769I6jJ7