✗✗ GOV. MOORE VETOS HERITAGE AREA BILL ✗✗
The Maryland Heritage Areas Coalition is grateful to the Moore-Miller Administration and the Maryland General Assembly for all the support that has been given to the unique statewide Maryland Heritage Areas Program. This program is a proven economic driver for Maryland – heritage areas benefit every county in the state bringing a $7 return for every $1 in state funding.
Therefore, it is with concern that we respond to the veto of the bi-partisan legislation SB980 that passed with universal acclaim in the Maryland General Assembly and was crafted in consultation with members of the Governor’s office.
This legislation was a response to the need for future economic growth within the state.
SB980 was not a mandate for funding; it had no fiscal note. The Maryland Heritage Areas Program is funded through the transfer tax and is a dedicated line in Program Open Space.
SB980 was a vehicle for lifting caps on future funding, which may be years away, when economic times and transfer tax levels would support such a request. And, as the program falls within the Office of the Governor, any future funding levels would be determined by that office.
This legislation was necessary for future economic growth. With the current cap in place, many organizations will be unable to receive future funding that would revitalize regions of our state. We appreciate the careful considerations that the Moore-Miller Administration is making amid historic budget problems and vast regional economic uncertainty. However, this legislation recognized that fact with its mindful approach.
We are grateful to our sponsors and all supporters of this legislation. We look forward to working further with the Moore-Miller Administration, the Maryland General Assembly, and our dedicated sponsors to address this need in the next legislative session, and to continue to assist in providing economic solutions for Maryland. When we invest in Maryland’s heritage, we invest in Maryland’s future.
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.
African American Heritage Society of Charles County
African American Resources Cultural and Heritage Society
Allegany County Chamber of Commerce
Aman Memorial Trust
American Battlefield Trust
Anacostia Trails Heritage Area
Baltimore National Heritage Area
Beach to Bay Heritage Area
Board of Commissioners of Washington County
Canal Place Preservation and Development Authority
Catoctin Furnace Historical Society
Chesapeake Crossroads Heritage Area
Eastern Shore Heritage Inc
Farm Heritage Conservancy
Field of Firsts Foundation (College Park Aviation Museum)
Garrett Chamber of Commerce
Garrett County Chamber of Commerce
Gateway Community Development Corporation
Veronica Gallardo (Individual)
Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area
Heritage Montgomery
Historic Rocky Springs Chapel
Historic Sotterley
Joe's Movement Emporium
Dr. Julie King (Individual)
Lower Susquehanna Heritage Area
Main Street Middletown
Maryland Museums Association
Maryland Tourism Coalition
Monocacy National Battlefield Foundation
National Road Heritage Foundation
Patapsco Heritage Greenway
Piscataway Conoy Tribe
Preservation Maryland
Rural Maryland Council
Sandy Spring Museum
Serenity Farm
Southern Maryland National Heritage Area
St. Mary's County Museum Division
The Latvian Museum
This Could Go Boom!
Town of Mount Airy
Town of Sharpsburg
Town of Thurmont Office of Economic Development
Visit Frederick
Visit Hagerstown
Washington College, Starr Center
Washington County Arts Council
Washington County Community Coalition
Washington County Department of Business Development
Washington County Historical Trust
Western Maryland Community Development Corporation
For a little state, Maryland is packed with history, stories, and quirks no one else has. The Maryland Heritage Area Program isn’t just about old buildings and plaques—it’s about figuring out who we are, who we’ve been, and who we’re trying to be. With 13 unique heritage areas covering every county and Baltimore City, this program stiches together all the beautiful, challenging, and fascinating parts of Maryland into something we can all be proud of.
Heritage Areas are not just good for the soul; they are also very good for the wallet. For every $1 Maryland invests in this program, it gets $7 back. That means:
$2.4 Billion pumped into the loccal economy every year
$319.8 Million in state and local taxes
40,000 jobs are supported in the hospitality industry from museum guards to trail builders
Currently, this valuable program is running on fumes. The funding has been limited to $6 million and demands far outpace supply. Over the past three years, an $8 million funding gap has kept great ideas on the shelf instead of in your community. Those $100,000 annual management grants for local heritage areas have not changed in 30 years—and now are only worth $62,000 in real dollars. Meanwhile, the workload has tripled.
With the $12 million investment now requested by the Maryland Heritage Areas, we could:
Fully-fund impactful cultural tourism projects and programs that drive local economies and create jobs
Get fully ready for the huge anniversaries of America's 250th in 2026 and Maryland's 400th in 2034
Ensure that every Marylander's story is told from the foothills of Western Maryland to the Eastern Shore
This is the moment. Maryland has the stories, the places, and the people—it simply needs the resources to bring it all together. Let’s invest in a future worth remembering. Let’s make sure Maryland’s heritage is not just preserved, but celebrated year after year, by everyone fortunate enough to call this place home.
Maryland Heritage Areas are an economic engine throughout the state, with a $7 return on investment for every $1 in state funds.
The requested increase in funding from the transfer tax will directly benefit our communities, counties, cities, and provide economic growth, with no impact to the general fund.
Increasing the heritage area funds from Program Open Space will not decrease any other Open Space funding, since the transfer tax has grown.
The majority of Heritage Area funding goes directly back to Maryland communities, municipalities, counties, businesses, nonprofits, and other entrepreneurial organizations.
Recognizing the tight budget year, an increase in Maryland Heritage Areas funding, and allowing the grants themselves to increase to reflect inflationary pressures, will spur economic growth and sustainability throughout the state.
Heritage Tourism is a powerhouse, providing funding throughout the state with no taxes! Heritage tourists stay longer and spend more money that other tourists.
Heritage Areas provide pride of place, and a reason to visit, stay longer, and live in Maryland!
This is Maryland’s Decade, and as we head towards the 250th of our Nation and the 400th of our State, Maryland Heritage Areas are leading the way.
Maryland has the most robust and effective
State Heritage Area program in the United States.
Heritage Areas exist where the stories of the people, the land, and the waters of Maryland, which have been intertwined for thousands of years, are told.
In Maryland's thirteen Heritage Areas individuals, businesses, nonprofits and governments form partnerships to preserve the best of Maryland's historic sites and towns, unspoiled natural landscapes and enduring traditions.
These tangible links to both place and the past encourage residents to recognize they have a special piece of the American story to treasure and share with others, and that in doing so they create more livable and economically sustainable communities.
The Maryland Heritage Areas Program is governed by the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority (MHAA) and administered by the Maryland Historical Trust.
MHAA provides targeted financial and technical assistance within thirteen designated Heritage Areas, each of which has a distinct focus or theme that represents a unique aspect of Maryland’s character.
Local partners operating within Heritage Areas may be eligible for a variety of benefits designed to support economic development through heritage tourism, including grants, tax credits, and loans.
Together, the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority, each Heritage Area, and its local partners support the economic well-being of Maryland's communities by promoting, sustaining and creating place-based experiences for visitors and residents alike. We accomplish this work through partnerships, grantmaking, advocacy, and outreach.
Each of Maryland's Heritage Areas is operated separately, some are private non-profits while some are part of county governments. The leaders of each Heritage Area meet regularly as the Maryland Heritage Areas Coalition to share information, resources, and to advocate for the program at the state level.
Learn what we're up to as a Coalition and individual Heritage Areas. Note: You may be redirected to Blogger. Protip: Sign up for email newsletters from each Heritage Area to stay in the loop, get resources, and special event invitations.
5/19/15: Maryland Heritage Areas Coalition Statement on Veto of SB980
5/6/25: Public Hearing Held on Expansion in Prince George's County
4/9/25: Heritage Area Legislation Passed by Maryland General Assembly
3/13/25: Guest Blog for Preservation Maryland: "Heritage is a Bridge"
2/14/25: Heritage Areas Raise Awareness at Maryland Tourism Day
11/18/24: Heritage Areas Program Receives State Tourism Award
We are out and about around Maryland and the county e-v-e-r-y d-a-y and we'd love to meet up with you at these upcoming events or please reach out via email to set up individual meetings.
6/22-25/25: Maryland Municipal League Summer Conference
8/13-15/25: MACo Summer Conference
