Updates from the Governor
March 14: Our Rural Legacy
Dear Friend,
Today, I stood with business, community, conservation, and government leaders to recognize the ten year anniversary of Maryland's Rural Legacy Program. Surrounded by the stunning landscapes of the Wisner Family Farm in Baltimore County, I announced a series of investments that will ensure Maryland's rural treasures continue to be enjoyed by future generations. These grants will protect 671,571 acres throughout Maryland.
Over the past decade, the Rural Legacy Program has helped preserve and protect those precious natural resources which are so essential to our quality of life. Rural legacy funds have been used to conserve more than 58,000 acres of our natural landscape and protect Maryland's agriculture industry.
As One Maryland, we look toward both the public and private sectors in order to protect the priorities of our people. The Rural Legacy Program is an example of a public-private partnership that works. It allows those who know the landscape best - land trusts and local governments - to determine the best way to protect the landscapes that are so critical to our economic security and environmental heritage.
Protecting our environmental legacy is part of our larger obligation toward future generations. In recognition of this sacred duty to those who will come after us, your state government is also working to preserve Maryland's historic and Main Street communities. Yesterday, I announced investments in Community Legacy awards for 73 projects throughout Maryland. These funds will help small businesses and homeowners in Maryland's historic neighborhoods and towns by providing resources for economic development activities, including business retention and attraction, commercial revitalization, and promotion of home ownership.
Working together, we have already made important strides in building a more sustainable Maryland and preserving our legacy for future generations. We will continue to work hard to ensure a better future for generations to come.
Sincerely,
Martin O'Malley
Governor
