Maryland Governor Larry Hogan’s latest budget provides additional funding to critical preservation efforts underscoring the value of sustained advocacy.
The budget, which was released earlier this week, is a blueprint for spending that will next be taken up by the members of the Maryland General Assembly. While some preservation activities remain underfunded, on a whole the budget picture for preservation appears to be improving thanks to the dedicated work of advocates from around the state.
Highlights for historic preservation include:
- Full funding for Program Open Space — a nearly $67 million increase over last year’s funding level.
- $6 million for the Maryland Heritage Area Authority — a $ 3 million increase over last year’s funding level.
- $9 million for the state Historic Tax Credit large commercial program — level funding from last year’s appropriation and less than 10% of Virginia’s annual investment.
- $0 for the Museum Assistance Grant program — at its height, this program received a $2.5 million annual appropriation.
- $600k for Maryland Historical Trust capital grants — level funding from last year.
- $300k for Maryland Historical Trust non-capital, survey & research grants — a $100k increase over last year’s appropriation.
- $6 million for Community Legacy — a critical revitalization grant program of the Department of Housing & Community Development.
Next step: Advocacy Day
In order to make certain that these funding levels remain in the final budget, advocates from across the state will need to make their voices heard. Preservation Maryland is pleased to provide an opportunity to do just that at the annual History Advocacy Day, which is being held this year on February 1, 2018 in Annapolis.