In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated. “Eligible project” means: a facility and community improvement project as defined in § 6–1304 of this subtitle; a business district and neighborhood security project as defined in § 6–1305 of this subtitle; or a community–centered crime and violence intervention and prevention project as defined in § 6–1306 of this subtitle. “Program” means the Community Health and Safety Works Grant Program.

There is a Community Health and Safety Works Grant Program in the Department. The purpose of the Program is to provide financial assistance in the form of grants for eligible projects that improve the quality of life within and economic potential of Maryland communities by making targeted investments in crime prevention strategies to address environmental, health, or safety concerns in commercial, public, or residential areas.

The Department shall: administer the Program; and adopt regulations to carry out the Program.

In this section the following words have the meanings indicated. “Eligible applicant” means a tax–exempt nonprofit organization. “Facility and community improvement project” means a physical project or a community service that: makes a facility or a community–managed open space safer for residents and visitors; encourages the authorized uses of a facility or a community–managed open space by individuals; or supports community–led efforts to improve the appearance of a facility or a community–managed open space. “Facility and community improvement project” includes: the purchase or installation of: equipment that increases the visibility of vulnerable spaces, including surveillance tools or adequate lighting for exterior doors, common areas, or hallways; or landscape architectural design features, including signs, gardens, paving treatments, plantings, or other upgrades to public spaces; efforts to: improve sight lines within, increase visitation to, or clean public spaces; or integrate landscape architectural design features into a facility or a community–managed open space in a manner that connects adjacent neighborhoods for various users while distancing the users from private areas; timely removal of graffiti and use of graffiti resistance practices in collaboration with a person who specializes in the area of graffiti removal services to present a vibrant, maintained space; and contracted land enhancement or groundskeeping services to maintain or clean open spaces and functional surfaces. An eligible applicant may apply for a grant under the Program for a facility and community improvement project. If an eligible applicant submits an application for a grant under the Program for a facility and community improvement project to purchase or install a network of cameras or license readers, the eligible applicant shall include with the application: a monitoring plan; evidence of a partnership with law enforcement, the governmental unit responsible for traffic enforcement for the political subdivision, and any other relevant public agencies; and a list of possible locations of cameras and license readers and a plan for providing notice of locations to property owners. The Department may award an eligible applicant who submits a complete application for financial assistance under the Program for a facility and community improvement project a grant that: is at least $25,000; and does not exceed $50,000.

In this section the following words have the meanings indicated. “Business district and neighborhood security project” means a comprehensive plan for enhancing the visual perception of safety along commercial corridors and adjacent areas. “Business district and neighborhood security project” includes: the purchase or installation of: equipment that increases the visibility of vulnerable spaces, including surveillance tools, adequate lighting for exterior doors, common areas, or hallways, or pedestrian–scale street lighting in high–pedestrian–traffic areas; vehicle or pedestrian control devices; equipment to lock or conceal dumpsters from public access; or signs, gardens, litter removal equipment, plantings, or other upgrades to public spaces; efforts to: take into account the needs of neighborhoods in the surrounding area to improve accessibility for all users, in compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act standards; or increase citizen and merchant stewardship through organizing, education, and outreach activities that seek to engage residents and other community stakeholders to actively participate in the upkeep and improvement of residential areas and public spaces; contracted cleaning or landscaping services to maintain or clean improved open spaces; contracted local private security services or similar community–based programs with a specific emphasis on de–escalation and relationship building; and other efforts consistent with subparagraph (i) of this paragraph. “Eligible applicant” means: a tax–exempt nonprofit organization; a governmental unit for a political subdivision; or an institution of higher education in collaboration with a local neighborhood association. An eligible applicant may apply for a grant under the Program for a business district and neighborhood security project. If an eligible applicant submits an application for a grant under the Program for a business district and neighborhood security project to purchase or install a network of cameras or license readers, the eligible applicant shall include with the application: a monitoring plan; and evidence of a partnership with law enforcement, the governmental unit responsible for traffic enforcement for the political subdivision, and any other relevant public agencies. The Department may award an eligible applicant who submits a complete application for financial assistance under the Program for a business district and neighborhood security project a grant that: is at least $75,000; and does not exceed $150,000.

In this section the following words have the meanings indicated. “Community–centered crime and violence intervention and prevention project” means a comprehensive strategy that integrates partnerships and coordinated activities that: directly engage individuals who are at risk of becoming involved with or affected by violence and crime using evidence–based interventions; and reduce crime and disorder by carefully examining the characteristics of problems in neighborhoods and applying appropriate problem–solving remedies. “Eligible applicant” means a tax–exempt nonprofit organization. An eligible applicant may apply for a grant under the Program for a community–centered crime and violence intervention and prevention project. The Department may award an eligible applicant who submits a complete application for financial assistance under the Program for a community–centered crime and violence intervention and prevention project a grant that does not exceed $250,000.

In this section, “Fund” means the Community Health and Safety Works Grant Program Fund. There is a Community Health and Safety Works Grant Program Fund. The purpose of the Fund is to provide financial assistance in the form of grants under the provisions of the Program for eligible projects. The Department shall administer the Fund. The Fund is a special, nonlapsing fund that is not subject to § 7–302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article. The State Treasurer shall hold the Fund separately, and the Comptroller shall account for the Fund. The Fund consists of: money appropriated in the State budget to the Fund; earnings from the investment of money in the Fund; interest earnings of the Fund; and any other money from any other source accepted for the benefit of the Fund. The Fund may be used only for providing financial assistance in the form of grants under the Program. The State Treasurer shall invest the money of the Fund in the same manner as other State money may be invested. Any interest earnings of the Fund shall be credited to the Fund. Expenditures from the Fund may be made only in accordance with the State budget.