Improvement Project for Maryland Airport Given Go-Ahead

On Thursday, the Maryland Board of Public Works unanimously approved a contract that will result in the Baltimore County facility receiving an extreme makeover, airport style.

The board approved the nearly $32 million deal to replace and enhance the 6,697-by-180-foot runway, improve taxiway connections, and upgrade the electrical system,  including the installation of LED airfield lighting and signage.

The FAA has classified KMTN, located in Class D airspace, as a reliever for Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (KBWI). According to Airnav.com, there are 240 aircraft based at the airport, including a mixture of law enforcement, general aviation, flight schools, and Maryland Air National Guard.

“This investment by the board of public works paves the way for a significant advancement in economic development at Martin State Airport,” said Paul Wiedefeld, secretary of the Maryland Department of Transportation. “The rehabilitation project will bring important improvements to the airport and ensure it is better equipped to meet the needs of its customers.”

P. Flanigan & Sons Inc. of Baltimore was awarded the construction contract. The preliminary schedule calls for the work to begin in the spring and last for about 255 days.

The airport, which covers approximately 747 acres, served as the home base of aircraft manufacturer Glenn L. Martin Co.. Martin had factories in California and Ohio before moving to Maryland in 1928.

The company produced transport aircraft, including seaplanes and bombers, during both World War I and World War II. In1945 Martin worked with city officials to limit the height of buildings near the airport because of all the transports that were utilizing the field.

Today, the Glenn L. Martin Maryland Aviation Museum is located on the southeast corner of the property. The museum features indoor and outdoor exhibits and year-round activities that cover decades of aviation history.