Thanks to the support of hundreds of preservationists from across the state, the Hogan Administration dropped a proposal to eliminate funding to the state’s non-capital preservation grant program.
The advocacy effort to save the program began soon after the Maryland Department of Budget and Management announced their intention to eliminate the entire $200,000 appropriation to the program.
Advocacy led by Preservation Maryland and supported by hundreds of individuals and dozens of organizations resulted in the stunning victory for Maryland history.
Generally, once a reduction or budget cut is publically proposed to the Board of Public Works there is little chance for its removal. The situation was made even more difficult by the fact that the cut was announced immediately prior to a three-day holiday weekend.
These non-capital grants or survey-and-research grants provide funding for research, survey, documentation, conservation, planning and educational activities involving historic, architectural, archaeological or cultural resources – the tangible remains of Maryland’s past. The program is administered by the Maryland Historical Trust, a close partner of Preservation Maryland.
The advocacy victory is a powerful example of the value placed on our state’s heritage by individuals of diverse backgrounds in every corner of the state. The victory is also a powerful reminder that the work of preservation requires eternal vigilance and proactive advocacy when necessary.
None of this would have been possible without the support of the Preservation Maryland Advocacy Fund which supported the organization’s quick efforts. Now we need to replenish the fund which is normally reserved for our work during the busy legislative session.
Please consider making a quick donation to pay it forward and help us defend our state’s irreplaceable heritage.