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Benefits of Participating in the
Maryland System of Heritage Areas
Benefits for Recognized Heritage Areas
Once a Heritage Area has been “Recognized” it becomes eligible for State grant assistance for up to 50% of the cost of preparing a Management Plan, a requirement for “Certified” Heritage Area status.
Benefits for Certified Heritage Areas
Once a Heritage Area has been “Certified” it becomes eligible for:
Matching grants of up to 50% to local jurisdictions or other appropriate entities for planning, design, interpretation, marketing, and programming.
Broad program support from State government. The Departments of Housing and Community Development, Business and Economic Development, Natural Resources, Higher Education , Transportation and General Services must prepare program statements for all Certified Heritage Areas which detail agency actions that support the Area in planning, development, use, regulation and other assistance. In carrying out activities in Certified Heritage Areas, all State agencies must cooperate and coordinate with the management entity for the Area, and ensure that those activities are consistent with the management plan and will not have an adverse effect on the historical and cultural resources of the area unless there is no prudent and feasible alternative.
Benefits for Target Investment Zones within Certified Heritage Areas
In addition to the benefits listed above, once a Target Investment Zone has been Certified it becomes eligible for:
Matching grants of up to 50% and loans to local jurisdictions or other appropriated entities for property acquisition, development, preservation and restoration. Grants for such capital activities may only be made within five years of the date that Management Plan approval is given by the Authority unless the Authority determines that the project is essential for the success of the area.
Loans for economic development projects from the proceeds of revenue bonds sold by the Authority.
State income tax credits for the rehabilitation of certified heritage structures (including non-historic significant structures), and the authority to provide local property tax credits for such rehabilitation.
Last updated: March 21, 2006
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