Easton Regional Medical Center: state funding in FY27 and construction milestones

University of Maryland Shore Regional Health updated the Eastern Shore delegation on the new Regional Medical Center planned for the Midshore.

Ken Kozell told the delegation the project is in year four of a five-year state commitment that totals $100 million. "We are in year 4 of a 5 year commitment from the state of Maryland to fund $100,000,000 for the Regional Medical Center," Kozell said, and he reported the governor’s FY27 budget includes a $20 million allocation. He added the philanthropy campaign has raised a little over $70 million toward a $100 million fundraising goal.

On construction, Kozell said crews are currently working on Level 2 and that the West Tower structure is expected to be complete by June, at which point exterior enclosure and interior work can begin. "When you drive past in June ... you will see the structure of the hospital in place," he said.

Kozell also described a significant geothermal heating and cooling plan: about 40 acres behind the site will host roughly 1,728 wells drilled to about 400 feet each, with completion of the geothermal work expected in summer. Finally, the system is coordinating with the State Highway Administration on additional lanes and signal work at the Route 50 entrance, with a target to finish by year-end while minimizing summer traffic disruption.

Kozell said the project remains on track for an opening in 2028 and thanked delegation members for their continued support as DLS and the state budget process finalize the next allocation.

What happens next: the system will pursue hearings scheduled in Annapolis for the FY27 allocation and continue fundraising; Kozell said the health system will keep the delegation updated on construction milestones and state appropriations.