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Statement on Governor Wes Moore’s veto of SB980, Natural Resources— Maryland Heritage Areas Authority— Funding and Grants
Statement on Governor Wes Moore’s veto of SB980, Natural Resources— Maryland Heritage Areas Authority— Funding and Grants
May 19, 2025
May 19, 2025
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.
April 9, 2025
April 9, 2025
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.
⋆ Senator Paul D. Corderman ⋆
⋆ Senator Michael A. Jackson ⋆
⋆ Delegate William J. Wivell ⋆
BILL SPONSORS
⋆ Senator Paul D. Corderman ⋆
⋆ Senator Michael A. Jackson ⋆
⋆ Delegate William J. Wivell ⋆
BILL SPONSORS
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
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