BWI capital boom and new concessions RFP with labor‑peace clause draw committee attention

Carrie Cook, the Department of Legislative Services analyst on aviation, summarized MAA’s FY25 operating increase (about $8.8 million, before supplemental adjustments) and a large PAYGO capital program. Calendar‑year 2023 passenger volumes at BWI were reported at about 26.2 million, near 2019 levels, with a 2024 forecast of about 29.5 million passengers.

Ricky Smith, MAA executive director, described MAA’s six‑year capital program (more than $1.1 billion) and highlighted the Concourse AB connector and a new baggage‑handling system as the largest projects under construction. He said the authority has programmed $291 million in federal funds related to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and is pursuing discretionary grants as well.

On concessions, Cook noted that after a legal challenge MAA/MDOT canceled the earlier solicitation, reissued an RFP in September and made substantive changes. The new solicitation requires airport‑concessions experience by the corporate entity (not just executive staff), revised disadvantaged business enterprise (DBE) goals and a "labor peace" provision requiring the bidder to secure agreements with labor organizations representing at least 25 airport employees; the contract framework will prohibit strikes in ways similar to other critical aviation and transit contracts. Final recommendations are expected in spring and are subject to Board of Public Works approval.

MAA said most operational reductions in the proposed budget were moderate and that the airport remains on track to maintain safe operations; MAA also noted improvements in cost per enplaned passenger and concession revenue projections. Committee members asked for further detail on specific restored reductions and staffing impacts at Martin State Airport and were assured MAA would follow up.