A Message from Governor Martin O'Malley

Dear Friends,

This month we are working with the legislature toward passage of the Sustainable Communities Act of 2010, Senate Bill 285. This bill, which I proposed, includes a renewed version of the Heritage Structure Rehabilitation Tax Credit and will help achieve many important goals. It will strengthen existing communities, stimulate local economies and create jobs in construction, a sector particularly hard hit during the economic downturn.

The Sustainable Communities Act will also reinforce our efforts to restore the Chesapeake Bay and protect local waterways. By encouraging revitalization in our existing communities, in areas such as Main Street business districts and transit-oriented development areas, we're focusing growth in places already prepared for it. By reducing development pressure on agricultural and resource lands, we ease runoff that chokes the Bay.

We also want to encourage more environmentally sound building design. The rehabilitation tax credit in SB 285 will add an incentive for projects that meet national LEED Gold standards for green building. It is one of the first programs in the country to link green design and historic preservation. And, as we've often said, reuse of an existing building is the greenest design of all. You can get more information about the legislation under "Smart Growth" at Green.Maryland.gov.

Protection of the Bay and our water resources is immensely important. No single program can accomplish all of it. We're seeking new ways to reduce storm water runoff, encouraging environmentally sound agricultural practices and increased funding for the Chesapeake Bay Trust Fund. Focusing future growth in ways better for the Bay by slowing the consumption of too much land and too many resources is another vital way to promote a more sustainable Maryland for future generations.

Sincerely,
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