In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated. “Board” means the Greenspace Equity Advisory Board. “Community greenspace” means a community space that enhances the public health and livability of an overburdened community or an underserved community. “Community greenspace” includes: A community garden; A community gathering open space area; A community woodland; A green network; A park; A trail; and An urban farm. “Eligible applicant” means: A land trust or nongovernmental organization located or working in an overburdened community or an underserved community where a project is proposed to be implemented; or A county or municipality. “Green network” means a system of greenspaces that are interconnected by linear corridors that facilitate the movement of people and wildlife. “Land acquisition” means: The fee simple acquisition of real property; or The acquisition of a perpetual conservation easement. “Land trust” means an organization that: Is a qualified organization under § 170(h)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and any regulations adopted under that section; Has executed a cooperative agreement with the Maryland Environmental Trust; or Is an affordable housing land trust as defined in § 14–501 of the Real Property Article. “Overburdened community” has the meaning stated in § 1–701 of the Environment Article. “Program” means the Greenspace Equity Program. “Stewardship” means activities undertaken on a project to: Develop a property for public use; and Improve the conservation value of the property. “Stewardship” does not include the operating expenses of a recipient of a grant under the Program. “Underserved community” has the meaning stated in § 1–701 of the Environment Article.

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

The Department shall submit to the Maryland State Clearinghouse for Intergovernmental Assistance for review and comment all grant applications that will be recommended to the Board of Public Works for an award under the Program. Each grant application submitted to the Maryland State Clearinghouse for Intergovernmental Assistance is subject to approval by the Board of Public Works.

Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, land acquired by a grant awarded under the Program may not be converted from outdoor public recreation or open space to any other use without the prior written approval of: The Secretary; The Secretary of Budget and Management; and The Secretary of Planning. A conversion of land under paragraph (1) of this subsection may be approved only after the grant recipient replaces the land being converted with land that has: An area that is at least equivalent in size with the land being converted; A recreation or open space value equivalent with that of the land being converted; and An appraised value equivalent to or greater than that of the land being converted. Land developed or improved by a grant awarded under the Program must be operated and maintained for public use by the grant recipient for at least 15 years from the project completion date.

There is a Greenspace Equity Advisory Board in the Department. The purpose of the Board is to serve as a consultant to the Department in the implementation and administration of the Program. The Board consists of the following members: One member of the Senate of Maryland, appointed by the President of the Senate; One member of the House of Delegates, appointed by the Speaker of the House; and The following members, appointed by the Governor: One representative of a county department of parks and recreation; One representative of a municipal department of parks and recreation; One representative of the Maryland Environmental Trust; One representative of a land trust working in an overburdened community or an underserved community; and Five representatives who: Are residents of an overburdened community or an underserved community; and Reflect the diversity of the State. The Board members specified in subsection (c)(3) of this section: Shall serve a term of 4 years; and May not serve more than two 4–year terms. The Governor shall designate the chair of the Board. The Department shall provide staff for the Board. The Department shall consult with the Board in the implementation and administration of the Program, including: Developing a grant application; Establishing opportunities for members of the Board to use their respective networks and publications to publicize and educate the public about the Program; and The review of and comment on grant applications and comments received under § 5–9D–03 of this subtitle.