MD SB980

Maryland Heritage Areas Authority may now award grants and loans for the management of certified heritage areas, in addition to existing purposes like planning, development, and preservation

Maximum grant amounts for acquisition, development, and program grants increased to $300,000, with the matching requirement reduced from 50% to 80% of project costs

Operating expense allowance from Program Open Space funds reduced from 10% to 7% or $600,000, whichever is greater

Maximum additional funding transfer to the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority Financing Fund increased from $3 million to $9 million from the State's share of Program Open Space funds

Eliminates the provision allowing up to $300,000 to be distributed to the Maryland Historical Trust for noncapital historic preservation grants

Effective date: July 1, 2025