CUMBERLAND – February 12, 2026

Senator Mike McKay secured an $11.9 million increase in state funding for Washington County—a 3.6% jump that will support schools, water infrastructure, healthcare, and community projects across the county.

“Washington County works hard and pays its taxes. I make sure Annapolis remembers that when it’s time to write the budget,” said Senator McKay. “This isn’t charity—it’s what our families have earned.”

Hancock Wastewater: A Generational Investment

The Town of Hancock will receive $26.7 million to overhaul its wastewater treatment system—the largest single infrastructure investment in the county.

“Hancock has needed this for years. Small towns shouldn’t have to beg Annapolis for basic infrastructure,” McKay said. “I pushed hard to get this done, and now Hancock families will have a system that actually works.”

Schools Across the County

McKay delivered more than $7 million in school construction and improvement funding:

• $4.2 million for New Downsville Pike Elementary School
• $1.5 million for Jonathan Hager Elementary
• $717,000 for Smithsburg Elementary mechanical systems
• $408,000 for North Hagerstown High boiler replacement
• $176,000 for Paramount Elementary boiler replacement

“Our kids deserve schools that aren’t falling apart. These aren’t luxuries—they’re the basics,” McKay said.

Hagerstown Community College

HCC will receive $3.6 million in state investment:

• $2.1 million for advanced technology programs
• $1.5 million for a second campus entrance

“HCC trains the next generation of workers right here in Washington County. That’s the kind of investment that pays dividends for decades,” McKay said.

Water and Environmental Infrastructure

Beyond Hancock, McKay secured additional water and environmental funding:

• $1.4 million for Albert Powell Hatchery wastewater improvements
• $1.3 million for MCI boiler plant upgrades

Healthcare

Washington County’s healthcare infrastructure will see continued state support, including $500,000 for Meritus Health.

Hagerstown Regional Airport

McKay delivered $1.5 million for a new airport tower at Hagerstown Regional Airport—a project that supports economic development and jobs.

“A working airport means businesses can get here. It means jobs. It means Washington County stays competitive,” McKay said.

Community Development

Towns across Washington County will see investment in housing and downtown improvements:

• $300,000 for Fort Ritchie boutique hotel development
• $250,000 for Hagerstown Strategic Properties Program
• $100,000 for Smithsburg Water Street streetscape
• $75,000 for Hagerstown Middle Neighbor Emergency Home Repair
• $50,000 for Habitat for Humanity home preservation
• $50,000 for Boonsboro residential preservation
• $30,000 for Williamsport residential safety and efficiency

Parks and Recreation

Families will benefit from improvements to local parks:

• $157,000 for Sharpsburg Community Park new play area
• $71,000 for Boonsboro Shafer Pond new park pavilion

Fire Department Support

McKay secured $35,000 for the Maugansville Goodwill Volunteer Fire Department banquet hall—supporting the volunteers who protect their neighbors.

Library Investment

The Williamsport Library will receive $675,000 for facility replacement.

The Bottom Line

Washington County will receive $342.1 million in total state aid for fiscal year 2027—an increase of $11.9 million that reflects McKay’s persistent advocacy.

“I don’t sit back and wait for Annapolis to remember Western Maryland exists. I’m in their ear every single day,” McKay said. “And I’m going to keep fighting until our region gets every dollar we deserve.”

Stay up to date on Senator McKay’s fight for Western Maryland—sign up for his District Newsletter at MikeMcKayMD.com/#newsletter.