Bill > SB16

This bill modifies the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority's funding and grant provisions by increasing the maximum percentage of project costs that can be covered by grants and the amount of funds that can be transferred from Program Open Space to the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority Financing Fund. Specifically, the bill raises the maximum grant amount for management plan development and acquisition or development projects from 50% to 80% of total project costs. It also increases the maximum program grant amount to $300,000 and limits program grants to 80% of estimated project costs. Additionally, the bill increases the transferable amount from Program Open Space from $3,000,000 to $12,000,000, and adjusts the percentage of these funds that can be used for operating expenses from 10% to 7%. The bill allows up to 50% of Program Open Space funds to be used for debt service on bonds, and includes a temporary provision for fiscal year 2012 that allows an additional $500,000 to be used for operating expenses in the Department of Planning. The changes are designed to provide more financial flexibility and support for heritage area development and management. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Budget and Finance

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0016?ys=2025RS