Board of Public Works grants draw praise from zoo, scenic railroad, Chesapeake Bay Trust and Signal 13

The Board of Public Works’ FY27 budget hearing included testimony from grantees that receive pass‑through funds, with several witnesses asking the subcommittee to maintain or increase support for capital and operating programs.

DLS analyst Andrew Gray said the Board of Public Works budget increased by $5.4 million to about $38.9 million, with approximately 94% of the agency’s FY27 spending classified as pass‑through grants. Gray identified a major grant request for Baltimore City’s computer aided dispatch (CAD) project and recommended an $8 million reduction while exploring alternatives such as operating budget approaches or software‑as‑a‑service models.

Grantee testimony: Representatives from the Maryland Zoo, Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, Chesapeake Bay Trust, and community nonprofits described how state grants fund capital projects, educational programming and conservation work.

- Maryland Zoo representatives said a multi‑year master plan is under way, the red panda habitat will open this summer and that state support has helped provide free field trips for public school students. “Construction is currently ahead of schedule on the red panda habitat that opens this summer,” the zoo’s representative said. They asked for continued support for campus modernization and conservation partnerships.

- Western Maryland Scenic Railroad leaders described tourism, accessibility work and record ridership for themed trains, noting the Polar Express drew over 30,000 guests that season and that the railroad’s operations support local hotels and restaurants.

- The Chesapeake Bay Trust emphasized grant programs that support urban tree canopy and the Chesapeake Conservation and Climate Corps workforce program, noting federal funding sources remain at risk and that about $10 million in federal pass‑through grants were managed last fiscal year.

- Signal 13 Foundation leaders described grants and scholarships supporting Baltimore police officers and their families, including emergency hardship grants and college scholarships for children of fallen officers; they reported a 214% increase in payroll deduction participation supporting their work.

What’s next: Andrew Gray recommended continued quarterly reporting by some grantees and further committee follow‑up on the CAD project funding approach; grantees offered to provide additional attendance and program data on request.