In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated. “Committee” means the Maryland Advisory Committee on Historic Agricultural Structure Preservation. “Fund” means the Maryland Barn Preservation Fund.

There is a Maryland Advisory Committee on Historic Agricultural Structure Preservation. The Committee consists of 10 members. The ex officio members are: the Secretary of Agriculture, or the Secretary’s designee; the Secretary of Commerce, or the Secretary’s designee; the Secretary of Planning, or the Secretary’s designee; the Director of the Maryland Historical Trust; and the Director of the Maryland Cooperative Extension. The Governor shall appoint the other five members, of whom: one shall be from a list of at least two nominees representing the Maryland State Grange; one shall be from a list of at least two nominees representing the Maryland Farm Bureau; two shall be individuals actively engaged in agriculture; and one shall be a member of the Maryland Environmental Trust. The Secretary of Planning serves as chair. The term of an appointed member is 4 years. A member of the Committee: may not receive compensation as a member; but is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget.

There is a Barn Preservation Fund in the Department of Planning. The Fund shall be used to make grants to preserve historic barns and agricultural structures in the State. The Fund consists of: money appropriated in the State budget to the Fund; and any other money from any other source accepted for the benefit of the Fund. To apply for a grant, an applicant shall submit to the Committee an application in the form that the Committee requires. On a recommendation from the Committee, the Board of Public Works shall approve expenditures from the Fund in the form of grants to preserve historic barns and agricultural structures. In recommending grants under this subtitle, the Committee shall consider: any historic building features; important examples of historic agricultural building types; the productive long–term use of the property; important local landmarks; structures that are located on designated scenic and cultural byways; and structures that accept a preservation easement.

The Department of Planning shall adopt any regulations necessary to implement this subtitle.

If a recipient of a grant under this subtitle or subsequent owner of a property that was assisted by a grant under this subtitle takes any action within 10 years of the grant award with respect to the assisted building or structure, such as dismantlement, removal, or substantial alteration, which causes it to no longer be eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places, within 1 year from the date of loss of eligibility, the preservation grant shall be repaid in full to the Fund.

Receipt of a grant award under this subtitle and conditions of the award shall be recorded in the land records for the county in which the historic barn or agricultural structure is located.