Sykesville has asked the state for $2.7 million to build an intersection on Route 32, one that would connect the town's Main Street to its planned business center at the Warfield Complex.

In a meeting with Gov. Parris N. Glendening in Ocean City on Monday, Mayor Jonathan S. Herman discussed the town's plans to renovate Warfield's 13 aging buildings, once part of Springfield Hospital Center, and the need for easy access from the highway.

The state has committed $400,000 to designing an intersection for the town, but has not budgeted money for construction. The town's engineer has nearly completed the design work, and Herman was able to brief the governor and John D. Porcari, state transportation secretary.

The proposed intersection would be built near an existing crossing at Cooper Drive, one of four entrances to the town along the highway. If the new intersection is built, the state probably could close the problematic Springfield Avenue crossing farther north along the highway.

Herman described the meeting as "a really positive session," but added he received no guarantees.

"I told the governor that we really need this intersection to proceed with our plans," Herman said. "The governor said he would let us know in about six weeks. Porcari said he would look at the plan and see if it works."

The governor's office reiterated yesterday that the town received no commitment for the project.

"It is a great and worthy project, but because of financial constraints, we are uncertain of funding," said spokeswoman Michelle Byrnie. "We have the next revenue forecast in August and will start deciding then what projects can move forward."

Few new projects will make it into the state's next five-year transportation plan, which will be made public in the fall. Most funding will go to projects in progress, Byrnie said.

Herman remains optimistic, given the state's interest in the Warfield project. Maryland and Carroll County together have contributed more than $500,000 to the effort.

Warfield sits on 96 acres along Route 32. When developed, it could bring economic development and more than 1,000 jobs to Carroll County. Warfield also could benefit from the $55 million Public Safety Training Center, in the final phase of construction on adjoining property, officials said.