Maryland Financial Institutions Section 13-1113

      (a)      As provided in the State budget, the Authority may award:

            (1)      Grants and loans to local jurisdictions or other appropriate entities for planning, design, acquisition, development, preservation, restoration, interpretation, marketing, and programming of certified heritage areas; and

            (2)      Grants to local jurisdictions or other appropriate entities to develop management plans in recognized heritage areas.

      (b)      A grant to develop a management plan may not exceed 50% of the cost of the management plan.

      (c)      (1)      Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the Authority may make acquisition and development grants to a local jurisdiction or other appropriate entity under subsection (a) of this section for a period of up to 5 years after the day on which the Authority approves the management plan for the certified heritage area within the local jurisdiction.

            (2)      The Authority may make acquisition or development grants for a project after the 5-year period if the Authority determines that the project is essential for the success of the management plan for the certified heritage area.

            (3)      An acquisition or development grant:

                  (i)      May not be used for any purpose other than implementation of the certified heritage area in conformity with the approved management plan; and

                  (ii)      May not exceed 50% of the total project cost for which the grant is awarded.

      (d)      (1)      Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, the Authority may make program grants to local jurisdictions and other appropriate entities:

                  (i)      To develop and present interpretive exhibits, materials or other appropriate products to further the educational and recreational objectives of the certified heritage areas program; and

                  (ii)      To encourage revitalization of, and reinvestment in, certified heritage area resources.

            (2)      A program grant made by the Authority under paragraph (1) of this subsection may not exceed 50% of the estimated project cost.

      (e)      Through the resources of the members of the Authority and in cooperation with other State agencies, the Authority shall provide technical assistance to management entities implementing a management plan.