Westminster, MD, Friday, October 17, 2025 – For nearly two decades, the Board of Commissioners (Board) has been evaluating and planning runway safety enhancements to meet Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements at the Carroll County Regional Airport. The improvements will include expanding the existing runway from 5,100 feet to the FAA standard of 5,500 feet.

The county has been in negotiations with the landowner, and while both parties understood the need for the land, they were unable to agree on reimbursement. The project requires three-tenths of an acre for the county to own and an avigation easement over much of the rest of the property. The negotiations led to the jury trial and its decision to award $3.5 million to the property owner.

FAA representatives are aware of the decision and support the county’s acquisition of the land and avigation easement. As a result, the Board expects the FAA to reimburse the county for 90% of the $3.5 million, and the Maryland Aviation Administration (MAA) to cover 5%. The county will be responsible for the remaining 5%, or approximately $175,000.

“While the Board fully supports and upholds the rights of property owners, the acquisition of this property was necessary to ensure the airport meets required safety standards,” said Board President Kenny Kiler. “Although we did not anticipate the jury awarding compensation for the full value of the property when only a portion was required, we understand the reasoning that the remaining land would have limited potential once the improvements are completed. The Board is pleased this matter has been resolved and looks forward to the successful completion of the enhancement project.”