(a) There is a Greenspace Equity Program in the Department.
(b) The purpose of the Program is to enhance the public health and livability of overburdened communities and underserved communities by implementing projects to preserve, create, and enhance community greenspace.
(c) (1) The Program is administered by the Department.
(2) In administering the Program, the Department shall:
(i) Develop a grant application for the Program;
(ii) Publicize the Program;
(iii) Provide technical assistance to Program applicants;
(iv) Award grants to eligible applicants; and
(v) Consult with the Board.
(3) The Department may adopt regulations to carry out this subtitle.
(d) A grant application submitted to the Department for the Program shall include evidence of support from the local government and the overburdened community or underserved community in which the project will be located.
(e) (1) (i) Beginning in fiscal year 2025, the Department shall make grants to eligible applicants for community greenspace projects located:
1. In an overburdened community;
2. In an underserved community; or
3. On a property:
A. For which an eligible applicant holds a conservation easement or owns the property in fee simple; and
B. That is located in a census tract that is adjacent to an overburdened community or an underserved community.
(ii) 1. Except as provided in subsubparagraph 2 of this subparagraph, at least 50% of the grants awarded each fiscal year shall be awarded to projects that include land acquisition by land trusts, counties, or municipalities.
2. If the total amount of funds requested for land acquisition by Program applicants is less than 50% of the grant funds available for a given fiscal year, the remaining grant funds may be awarded to projects that do not include land acquisition.
(2) Grants for land acquisition under the Program may only be awarded to land trusts, counties, and municipalities.
(3) A grant received under this subsection may be used for:
(i) Land acquisition, appraisals, environmental assessments, site clearance or development, and other due diligence expenses related to implementing a project;
(ii) Administrative and Program costs in accordance with paragraph (4) of this subsection; or
(iii) Stewardship projects that:
1. Previously received a grant under the Program; or
2. Would qualify for a grant under the Program but existed before July 1, 2025.
(4) A portion of the grant may be used to pay for:
(i) If the project involves land acquisition or only project stewardship, administrative costs not to exceed 3% of the grant amount; and
(ii) If the project involves land acquisition, Program compliance costs for monitoring easements if applicable.
(5) In awarding grants under this subsection, the Department shall consider:
(i) The extent to which the project engages and is supported by residents, organizations, and businesses located in the overburdened community or underserved community:
1. In which the project will be located; or
2. That is served by the project;
(ii) The amount of financial or in–kind contributions for implementation of the project, if any;
(iii) The degree to which the project:
1. Demonstrates partnerships and collaboration among local governments, land trusts, nongovernmental organizations, and community organizations; and
2. Enhances the public health, livability, and greenspace in the overburdened community or underserved community:
A. In which the project will be located; or
B. That is served by the project; and
(iv) The geographic diversity of the State.