The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County this week renewed the Intergovernmental Support Agreement (IGSA) between the County and Naval Air Station Patuxent River.
This cooperative agreement allows NAS Patuxent River to work with the County to reduce their operating and capital maintenance costs while cultivating a culture of mutual support within the local community.
“I am proud to sign this agreement, it is mutually beneficial to the County and the Navy, said Commissioner President Randy Guy. “The Navy is the largest contributor to our county’s economy, creating jobs and futures for our families.”
According to NAS Patuxent River Public Affairs, in FY 2020, the agreement facilitated eight projects at NAS Patuxent River and saved 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.
According to a County press release:
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.
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.
