Press Release: Maryland General Assembly Passes Legislation Expanding Economic Growth and Heritage Tourism

On the last day of the Maryland General Assembly, Monday, April 7, SB0980 Natural Resources - Maryland Heritage Areas Authority - Funding and Grants passed the Maryland Senate unanimously and received 137 votes in favor from the House of Delegates. The Maryland Heritage Areas Coalition proudly celebrated the passage of SB0980, allowing more funds to support Maryland’s heritage and economy. The legislation, sponsored by Sens. Paul Corderman and Michael A. Jackson, increases the opportunity for funding for the Maryland Heritage Areas Program—from $6 million to $12 million annually and raises caps on grants to heritage organizations from $100,000 to $300,000 —allowing for higher levels of program and product development and more impactful capital projects. It also reduces the match requirement for nonprofits, further reducing barriers to equitable awards. 

FROM OUR LEGISLATIVE CO-SPONSORS

“I was honored to assist with this important bill passing,” Sen. Paul Corderman said. “I look forward to continuing to support the work done by the heritage areas across the state. We appreciate the Maryland Heritage Areas Coalition involvement as well, with lining up countless pieces of testimony!”

"I was proud to be a sponsor on this important piece of legislation for Maryland,” Sen. Michael A. Jackson said. “This legislation will allow for additional funding in the future to highlight and lift up the stories of all Marylanders. It will assist the Maryland Heritage Area program in providing access to grants and funding to organizations and communities across our great state that will build our economic strength, which is particularly important now that so many are facing hardship at the federal level. It is a win for Maryland!"

Read Full Press Release from the Southern Maryland National Heritage Area