§ 13-1112. Program statement for certified heritage areas

   (a) Preparation. --

   (1) The State officials under items (i) through (vii) of this subsection who have program responsibilities that affect aspects of the interpretation, preservation, development, and use of heritage area resources shall prepare a program statement detailing actions in the areas of planning, development, use, assistance, and regulation that support and assist the establishment and management of certified heritage areas, as follows:

      (i) Secretary of Planning regarding local government adoption of heritage area management plans and regarding historic preservation and museum programs;

      (ii) Secretary of Housing and Community Development regarding housing and neighborhood revitalization;

      (iii) Secretary of Business and Economic Development regarding the State tourism program and economic development and job creation activities;

      (iv) Secretary of Natural Resources regarding outdoor recreation and the management of natural resources, including State greenways;

      (v) Secretary of Higher Education regarding educational resources and their interpretation;

      (vi) Secretary of Transportation regarding access to and transportation within certified heritage areas, including the scenic byways program and programs for special signage; and

      (vii) Secretary of General Services regarding the management and disposition of State property.

   (2) The State officials shall submit the program statements required under paragraph (1) of this subsection, and any revisions of the statements, to the Authority.

(b) Activities affecting heritage area. -- Units of State government that conduct or support activities affecting a certified heritage area shall:

   (1) Consult, cooperate, and to the maximum extent feasible, coordinate their activities with the unit or entity responsible for the management of each certified heritage area;

   (2) To the maximum extent practicable, carry out the activities of the unit in a manner that is consistent with the approved management plan for the certified heritage area; and

   (3) When conducting a review of activities under § 5A-325 and 5A-326 of the State Finance and Procurement Article, assure that the activities will not have an adverse effect on the historic and cultural resources of the certified heritage area, unless there is no prudent and feasible alternative.

HISTORY: 1996, ch. 601, § 1; 2005, ch. 25, § 13; ch. 44, § 1; ch. 440, § 3.