In The News: "New Law Doubles Heritage Area Budget to $12M" in Southern Maryland Chronicle

The Southern Maryland National Heritage Area and the Maryland Heritage Areas Coalition hailed the bill’s passage as a milestone. “Maryland is only one of two states in the nation with a state-based heritage area program, which speaks volumes about how deeply we value our history and its powerful role in the American story,” said Lucille Walker, executive director of the Southern Maryland National Heritage Area. “We also recognize the economic strength of our heritage and the vital role heritage tourism plays across the state. This legislation, along with the Maryland Heritage Areas Program, is essential to making sure everyone sees themselves in Maryland’s story for generations to come. We are truly grateful to Sens. Corderman and Jackson and the Moore-Miller Administration for championing this effort to expand heritage tourism and highlight the incredible range of stories, cultures, and communities that make Maryland unique.”