Design Contract Approved for New Ocean City Airport Terminal

Key Takeaways

• Ocean City Municipal Airport will replace its 1950s terminal with a new $6 million two-story building.
• Leon Grisbaum donated $3 million; City funds $3 million; FAA grant pending for additional financing.
• Final design phase ongoing; City Council approval required to secure funding and begin construction fall 2025.

As of July 2, 2025, the city of Ocean City is moving forward with a major upgrade to its local airport. The Ocean City Municipal Airport is set to receive a brand-new terminal, with the project now in its final design phase. This development is a key part of the city’s 2025 capital improvement plan, and it promises to bring new life to the airport, boost tourism, and provide better services for both residents and visitors. The project’s progress, funding, and next steps are being closely watched by City officials, community members, and aviation enthusiasts alike.

What’s Happening at Ocean City Municipal Airport?

The city is planning to replace the current terminal at Ocean City Municipal Airport, which dates back to the 1950s, with a modern, two-story building. This new terminal will be called the Leon and Elizabeth Grisbaum Terminal Building, named in honor of a major donor and his late wife. The project is currently in the final design phase, which means architects and planners are finishing up the detailed plans for the new building. Construction is expected to start in the fall of 2025, but there are still a few important steps that need to happen before work can begin.

Why Is This Project Important?

The airport terminal upgrade is more than just a new building. It’s seen as a way to:

• Revitalize the airport and make it more attractive to pilots and visitors
• Restore amenities that were lost during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as the popular airport restaurant
• Support local tourism by providing a better welcome to people arriving by air
• Enhance community facilities with new spaces for events, dining, and recreation

City officials, including Mayor Jay Gillian and City Council Vice President Terry Crowley Jr., have made it clear that this project is a top priority. They believe the new terminal will help Ocean City stand out as a destination and improve the experience for everyone who uses the airport.

How Is the Project Being Funded?

The total cost of the new terminal is estimated at $6 million. The funding comes from several sources:

• $3 million donation from Leon Grisbaum, a local real estate owner and retired pilot. This generous gift is a key part of the project, and the new terminal will carry his and his late wife’s names in recognition.
• $3 million from the City of Ocean City, which has set aside this money in its 2025 capital plan.
• Potential FAA grant: The city is also seeking additional funding from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). If this grant is approved, it could help cover more of the costs or allow for extra features. If not, the project may be scaled back slightly, but city leaders say it will still be a “first-class facility.”

It’s important to note that the $3 million donation from Leon Grisbaum is conditional. The city must move quickly to approve the necessary funding and start construction, or the donation could be at risk. This has added urgency to the City Council’s decision-making process.

What’s the Current Status of the Project?

As of early July 2025, the project is in the final design phase. This means that architects and engineers are putting the finishing touches on the plans for the new terminal. The next big step is for the City Council to approve a bond ordinance, which will officially release the city’s share of the funding. This approval is still pending, and council members are being urged to act quickly to secure the private donation and keep the project on track.

A ceremonial groundbreaking for the new terminal took place on October 15, 2024. City and county officials, along with Leon Grisbaum, attended the event. However, this was a symbolic ceremony—actual construction has not yet started. The real work will begin once the design is finalized, funding is secured, and construction bids are awarded.

What Will the New Terminal Include?

The new terminal at Ocean City Municipal Airport is designed to be much more than just a place for travelers to wait for their flights. Key features will include:

• A two-story building to replace the old terminal from the 1950s
• Airport operations center for managing flights and airport activities
• Pro shop for the nearby nine-hole municipal golf course
• Welcome center to greet visitors and provide information
• Restrooms, office, and storage space for airport staff and users
• Restaurant on the top floor with panoramic views of the bay and marshlands, aiming to bring back the popular dining experience that was lost during the pandemic

The existing terminal will be demolished to make way for the new building. The goal is to create a modern, welcoming space that serves both the aviation community and the broader public.

Who Are the Key Stakeholders?

Several important people and groups are involved in making this project a reality:

• Leon Grisbaum: His $3 million donation is crucial, and he has made it clear that he wants to see the airport return to its former vibrancy. He hopes the new terminal will attract more pilots and visitors to Ocean City.
• Ocean City Council: The council must approve the bond ordinance to release city funds and move the project forward. Their decision will determine whether the project can stay on schedule.
• George Savastano: As the City Business Administrator, he is overseeing the capital plan and making sure the project stays on track.
• Terry Crowley Jr.: The City Council Vice President is pushing for quick action to secure the donation and avoid delays.
• Mayor Jay Gillian: He has promised to deliver a high-quality terminal with a restaurant and other amenities, showing strong support for the project.

What Are the Next Steps?

The process for building the new terminal at Ocean City Municipal Airport involves several key steps:

1. Finish the design phase: Architects and planners are finalizing the building’s layout and features.
2. City Council approval: The council must vote on the bond ordinance to release city funds. This is the next big hurdle.
3. Construction bidding: Once funding is secured, the city will ask construction companies to submit bids for the project.
4. Start construction: If all goes as planned, work will begin in the fall of 2025.
5. Completion: There is no official completion date yet, but the new terminal could open in 2026 or later, depending on how quickly construction moves.

Why Is Council Approval So Important?

The City Council’s approval is critical for several reasons:

• Unlocks city funding: Without the council’s vote, the city’s $3 million cannot be used for the project.
• Secures the private donation: Leon Grisbaum’s $3 million gift depends on the city moving forward quickly. Any delay could put this money at risk.
• Keeps the project on schedule: The longer the council waits, the more likely it is that costs could rise or the project could face other setbacks.

Council members like Terry Crowley Jr. are urging their colleagues to act now, warning that any delay could jeopardize the entire project.

What Could Delay or Change the Project?

While the project is moving forward, there are still a few things that could affect the timeline or scope:

• FAA grant decision: The city is waiting to hear if it will receive additional funding from the Federal Aviation Administration. If the grant is not approved, some features may need to be scaled back, but city leaders say the terminal will still be high quality.
• City Council vote: The bond ordinance must be approved before construction can begin. If the council delays or votes against it, the project could be stalled or even canceled.
• Construction bids: Once the city starts accepting bids, there could be changes in cost or timeline depending on which company is chosen and how quickly they can start work.

What Does This Mean for the Community?

The new terminal is expected to bring several benefits to Ocean City and its residents:

• Economic boost: By attracting more pilots and visitors, the airport could help local businesses and increase tourism revenue.
• Improved amenities: The new restaurant and welcome center will provide better services for both travelers and locals.
• Community pride: Upgrading the airport is part of a larger $67.6 million capital plan to improve infrastructure and recreational facilities across the city.

City officials hope that the new terminal will become a point of pride for Ocean City, showing that the community is committed to growth and improvement.

What Are the Broader Policy Implications?

The airport terminal project is part of a larger effort by Ocean City to invest in its future. The city’s 2025-2029 capital plan includes upgrades to roads, parks, and other public facilities. By focusing on projects like the airport terminal, city leaders are aiming to:

• Modernize local infrastructure
• Support economic development
• Provide better services for residents and visitors

The conditional nature of the private donation highlights the importance of public-private partnerships in funding major projects. It also shows how important it is for local governments to act quickly and decisively when opportunities arise.

What Do Experts and Stakeholders Say?

City officials, donors, and community leaders have all spoken about the importance of the new terminal:

• City officials say the project will help Ocean City stay competitive as a tourist destination and provide better facilities for aviation.
• Leon Grisbaum hopes his donation will help bring back the airport’s former energy and attract more pilots.
• Council members like Terry Crowley Jr. stress that quick action is needed to secure funding and keep the project on track.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, the combination of public and private funding, along with strong community support, makes this project a standout example of how cities can improve local infrastructure.

How Can Residents Stay Informed or Get Involved?

Residents who want to follow the progress of the Ocean City Municipal Airport terminal project can:

• Visit the official Ocean City website for updates and information about City Council meetings and decisions. The city’s website provides schedules, agendas, and minutes for all council meetings, making it easy to stay informed about the latest developments.
• Contact the City Clerk’s office for questions about the project or to submit public comments.
• Reach out to the City Business Administrator, George Savastano, for details about the capital plan and airport project.
• Follow City Council discussions to see how elected officials are handling the project and to share their own views.

For more information about airport improvement projects and federal funding, readers can visit the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Improvement Program page.

What Should Readers Take Away?

The Ocean City Municipal Airport terminal project is a major step forward for the city. With a mix of public and private funding, strong community support, and a clear plan for construction, the project is well-positioned to succeed—if the City Council acts quickly. The new terminal will offer better services, attract more visitors, and help Ocean City continue to grow as a destination.

Residents and stakeholders should keep an eye on upcoming City Council meetings, as the next vote will determine whether the project moves ahead as planned. By staying informed and engaged, the community can help ensure that this important project becomes a reality.

In summary, the Ocean City Municipal Airport is on the verge of a major transformation. The final design phase is nearly complete, and with City Council approval, construction could begin as soon as fall 2025. The new terminal promises to bring lasting benefits to the city, its residents, and everyone who visits or uses the airport.

Learn Today

Municipal Airport → A city-owned airport serving local residents and visitors with public aviation facilities.
Final Design Phase → The last planning stage where detailed architectural and engineering plans are completed before construction.
Bond Ordinance → A legal authorization by City Council to issue bonds for funding public projects.
FAA Grant → Funding provided by the Federal Aviation Administration to support airport improvements.
Capital Improvement Plan → A city’s multi-year strategy for funding major infrastructure projects and upgrades.

This Article in a Nutshell

Ocean City is upgrading its municipal airport with a new two-story terminal costing $6 million, funded by a local donor and the city. The project is in final design, awaiting City Council approval to start construction in fall 2025, promising improved facilities and economic benefits for residents and visitors.
— By VisaVerge.com