The 1997 Priority Funding Areas Act capitalizes on the influence
of State expenditures on economic growth and development. This
legislation directs State spending to Priority Funding Areas.
Priority Funding Areas are existing communities and places where
local governments want State investment to support future growth.
Growth-related
projects covered by the legislation include most State programs
that encourage or support growth and development such as highways,
sewer and water construction, economic development assistance,
and State leases or construction of new office facilities.
The
Priority Funding Areas legislation builds on the foundation
created by the Visions which were adopted as State policy
in the 1992 Economic Growth, Resource Protection and Planning
Act. Beginning October 1, 1998, the State of Maryland directed
funding for projects that support growth to Priority Funding
Areas. Funding for projects in municipalities, other existing
communities, industrial areas, and planned growth areas designated
by counties receive priority State funding over other projects.
Priority Funding Areas are locations where the State and local
governments want to target their efforts to encourage and
support economic development and new growth.
The
following areas qualify as Priority Funding Areas:
- every
municipality, as they existed in 1997;
- areas
inside the Washington Beltway and the Baltimore Beltway;
- areas
already designated as enterprise zones, neighborhood revitalization
areas, heritage areas and existing industrial land;
The Smart Growth legislation recognizes the important role
local governments play in managing growth and determining
the locations most suitable for State-funded projects. Counties
may designate areas as Priority Funding Areas if they meet
guidelines for intended use, availability of plans for sewer
and water systems, and permitted residential density. Areas
eligible for county designation are existing communities and
areas where industrial or other economic development is desired.
In addition, counties may designate areas planned for new
residential communities which will be served by water and
sewer systems and meet density standards.
For Paper Copy Orders
County Maps, 11” x 17”, $2.00
County Maps, 34” x 44” (poster size), $20
Statewide Maps, 11” x 17”, $2.00
Statewide Maps, 34” x 44” (poster size), $20
Priority Funding Area CDs, includes statewide and county maps,
$15
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