WICOMICO COUNTY TO BUILD UAS FLIGHT FACILITY AT SALISBURY REGIONAL AIRPORT

Sentinel Robotic Solutions enters five-year agreement to operate at the project site

BALTIMORE, MD (August 15, 2019) – The Maryland Department of Commerce has approved funding to support Wicomico County as it begins construction on an 8,000 square-foot Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) flight facility. Located at the Salisbury Regional Airport, the UAS facility will include a hangar and an office space, which will provide design, testing, and consulting for commercial and military applications. Once construction is completed next year, the facility is expected to employ 25 high-tech workers and create an additional 29 indirect jobs in the region.

“Our airport is already a huge economic engine and our new drone operations center will add to that impact and further diversify business in Wicomico,” said Wicomico County Executive Bob Culver. “We appreciate Maryland’s partnership and commitment to our effort in growing our airport and economy.”

Sentinel Robotic Solutions, LLC, an aerospace company based out of Wallops Island, Va., has entered a five-year agreement to operate at the project site in Salisbury. Founded in 2012, the company services the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Wallops Flight Facility, and more. Additional UAS businesses are also expected to occupy the Salisbury Regional Airport facility once completed.

“The economic impact is tremendous,” said Dawn Veatch, manager of the Salisbury Regional Airport. “With our team of designated Federal Aviation Administration aircraft certification specialists, our excellent location with close proximity to the FAA’s Washington, D.C. headquarters, and our experts with more than 15 years of commercial and defense operation experience, we have a very unique opportunity here in Wicomico County.”

To assist with project costs, the Maryland Department of Commerce has approved a $100,000 grant through Advantage Maryland, formerly the Maryland Economic Development Assistance Authority and Fund (MEDAAF).

“There is a real need for a local, accessible UAS facility on Maryland’s Eastern Shore—for our workforce and businesses alike,” said Maryland Commerce Secretary Kelly M. Schulz. “This project will meet the needs of our regional aerospace and defense employers and have a tremendous impact on the Salisbury region as a whole.”

Learn more about Maryland’s aerospace and defense industry online.

About Maryland Commerce
The Maryland Department of Commerce stimulates private investment and creates jobs by attracting new businesses, encouraging the expansion and retention of existing companies, and providing financial assistance to Maryland companies. The Department promotes the State’s many economic advantages and markets local products and services at home and abroad to spur economic development and international investment, trade and tourism. Because they are major economic generators, the Department also supports the Arts, film production, sports and other special events. For more information, visit commerce.maryland.gov.