§ 13-1113. Grants and loans

   (a) In general. -- 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) Grants for management plans. -- A grant to develop a management plan may not exceed 50% of the cost of the management plan.

(c) (1) Acquisition and development grants. -- Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the Authority may make acquisition and development grants only for projects in a target investment zone within a certified heritage area for a period of up to 10 years after the day on which the Authority first approves funding for acquisition or development grants in:

      (i) The target investment zone; or

      (ii) That portion of the target investment zone added through a boundary amendment approved by the Authority.

   (2) The Authority may make acquisition or development grants for a project in a target investment zone after the 10-year period described in paragraph (1) of this subsection, or outside a target investment zone, 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) Program grants. --

   (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) Technical assistance. -- 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.

HISTORY: 1996, ch. 601, § 1; 2007, ch. 93.