ANNAPOLIS, Md.— The Southern Maryland National Heritage Area and the Maryland Heritage Areas Coalition proudly welcome the filing of two bills in the Maryland General Assembly that would allow more funds to support Maryland’s economy. SB0980 and HB1327 sponsored by Senator Paul Corderman and Delegate William Wivel respectively, lift the cap on funding for the Maryland Heritage Areas Program – from $6 million to $12 million annually.
Maryland has 13 certified Heritage Areas, covering a portion of every county in the state and the City of Baltimore. By drawing visitors to Maryland’s historic sites, towns, and natural areas, they pump an estimated $2.4 billion into Maryland’s economy annually and support more than 40,000 jobs —from museum staff to trail builders to festival organizers.
“From the mountains of Western Maryland to the shores of the Chesapeake Bay, Maryland’s Heritage Areas bring history to life, sharing the incredible range of stories, culture, waterways, landscapes, parks, music, art, foodways, and so much more of what Maryland has to offer,” said Lucille Walker, Executive Director of the Southern Maryland National Heritage Area. “This legislation will have a lasting impact by supporting projects that empower our communities, create jobs, and help shape a brighter future for generations to come. We thank the Moore-Miller administration for their support in the current budget, and Senator Corderman and Delegate Wivell for sponsoring this legislation for growth of this vital program in the future.”
While the legislation does not guarantee funding, it allows for the Maryland Heritage Areas Program to receive a greater share of Program Open Space funding from the state’s transfer tax should it become available.
“The Hagerstown/Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) enjoys a productive working relationship with its local Heritage Area,” said Daniel P. Spedden, President of the CVB. “Lifting the cap on Heritage Area funding will strengthen this relationship and its commitment to preserving historical, cultural, and natural resources. The lift the cap effort will also strengthen economic development through additional heritage tourism. We are excited to support SB0980 and HB1327.”
The proposed legislation would boost Maryland’s economy, delivering a strong and proven return on investment. Every $1 the state invests in the Heritage Areas Program generates an estimated $7 in economic benefits for local communities.
Additionally, the proposed legislation would help Maryland prepare to honor two important anniversaries—the United States’ 250th in 2026 and Maryland’s 400th in 2034—ensuring these historic milestones receive the recognition they deserve while fostering pride and community across the state.
Maryland’s Heritage Areas are locally designated and state-certified regions where public and private partners make commitments to preserve historical, cultural, and natural resources for sustainable economic development through heritage tourism. At the local level, Heritage Areas focus community attention on often under-appreciated aspects of history, living culture, and distinctive natural areas, thus fostering a stronger sense of pride in the places where Marylanders live and work.
“lift the cap on funding for the Maryland Heritage Areas Program – from $6 million to $12 million annually”
That’s the way ‘THEY’ reduce the deficit?