Anne Arundel now has a plan for its approach to 20,000 new jobs coming to the county through Fort Meade?s expansion, but questions remain on how officials will fund growth.
“We don?t have all the resources we need, and that?s the challenge,” County Executive John R. Leopold said.
The county Wednesday finalized its action plan for the Base Realignment and Closure expansion, which said the county will need:
» More police officers and paramedics;
? More doctors, nurses and medical professionals;
» Expansion of all major highways around the fort, as well as county roads in the Odenton-Gambrills area;
» More housing, particularly more affordable houses, in western Anne Arundel;
» More science, technology, engineering and math courses at public schools.
Officials are concerned that if the economy continues to struggle, securing funding will be difficult.
“We have to continue to look at the funding options and improve the infrastructure if development is going to take place,” said Doreen Stratham, BRAC committee member.
The state is responsible for major road projects, but Anne Arundel officials said county money could jump-start some projects that won?t begin until after the work force arrives in 2011.
An increase in 11 police officers in the western district could cost the county an extra $1 million a year.
Leopold also said he is funding teacher stipends for nationally certified teachers and partnering with Anne Arundel Community College to create a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) center.
Leopold would not say how he would fund those initiatives as he is vesting his plans for his budget presentation today.
Bob Leib, the county?s BRAC coordinator, said taxing districts, increased impact fees and payments from developers could offset the costs to the county.
