Thanks to the dedicated work of grassroots advocates and the bi-partisan support of legislators, the Maryland Historical Trust Grant Fund Improvement Act has passed the General Assembly and will result in more stable future funding for preservation.
New Legislation Invests in Maryland’s History
The landmark legislation, which was a key piece of Preservation Maryland’s 2017 advocacy platform, calls on the governor to provide at least $1.5 million annually to the state’s Historic Preservation Grant Fund. It is the first time in the state’s history that the legislature has requested that the governor include a specific amount of funding for historic preservation grants.
Maryland’s Historic Preservation Grant Fund, which is managed by the Maryland Historical Trust, primarily supports (1) the rehabilitation and restoration of historic properties by non-profit organizations and municipalities, (2) the survey, research and documentation of historic properties to assist in planning efforts and, (3) museums with project, programming and exhibition funding assistance.
Working with Speaker Pro Tem Adrienne Jones and Senator Bill Ferguson, Preservation Maryland advocated for the introduction of HB1513/SB1069 which establishes a base level of funding for the Fund at $1.5 million annually. This fund had previously gone without a new appropriation for nearly eight consecutive years.
Although the legislation does note that this funding is subject to the “limitations of the state budget,” the new legislation clearly demonstrates that:
- The Maryland General Assembly officially supports historic preservation grant funding and calls on the governor to include funding in the annual budget for this critical program.
- Preservationists now have the ability to ask for ‘full funding’ of the program — which is $1.5 million.
Governor signs bill into law
(L-R, front row) Senate President Mike Miller, Gov. Larry Hogan, Speaker Mike Busch; (L-R, back row) Nicholas Redding, Elizabeth Hughes, Del. Mary Ann Lisanti.
Governor Larry Hogan signed the bill into law on May 4, 2017. The new legislation will go into effect October 1, 2017 and could impact the preservation community through increased grant funding as soon as 2018.
Supporters of preservation are encouraged to make a donation to the advocacy fund that made this possible. Financial support from our members pays for the necessary costs of advocating for preservation in Annapolis. Member donations are a critical form of support.
Support the Advocacy Fund that Made this Possible