(1/27) Emmitsburg, along with other local communities, was awarded $15,000 from the Sustainable Maryland Action Grant, a new grant awarded by the Sustainable Maryland Program.

The Sustainable Maryland Program’s mission is "to provide opportunities for Maryland municipalities to continue to thrive and build a better tomorrow," according to their website. The new grant is especially helpful in aiding applicants that are looking for a greener lifestyle by "protecting their natural assets, reducing their carbon footprint, and revitalizing and improving the long-term quality of life for current and future generations."

The new grant is primarily funded by the State of Maryland with contributions from local, county and federal governments, as well as foundations and corporations. The Program was created in 2022. A portion of the State's annual budget is set aside to support community type sustainability efforts and is designed to bridge the gap between a municipality’s budget and state funding.

Although a free and voluntary program, municipalities were required to register and be certified with the Sustainable Maryland Program to qualify for grant money. Certification involves establishing "green" action plans and then implementing and completing a required number of actions. By doing so, the municipality earns points that qualify them to be a part of the Program. These actions can include a variety of choices, such as creating insect hotels, developing pet waste programs, creating renewable energy options and much more.

A certification is good for three years before needing to recertify. The Program awarded anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000. Emmitsburg received $15,000, with plans to use the money to improve the Cedar Avenue Community Garden extension. The improvements must be completed by January 2026.

Other purposes that the grant money can be used for include community garden improvements, electric vehicle charging stations, climate action planning (climate plans, greenhouse gas inventories, flood risk planning), renewable energy sources (solar panels, solar parking canopies), green infrastructure (rain gardens, bioswale, pervious paving, green roofs), biodiversity (native plantings, pollinator meadows and corridors), energy efficiency (energy audits, LED streetlights, heat pumps, high-efficiency HVACs, white roofs), bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure or planning (bike lanes, bike parking, safe routes to school), land preservation and enhancements (parks, trails, easements, tree canopy plans) and outreach and educational programming.

Nine towns in total were awarded grants from across the State: Bowie, Emmitsburg, Frostburg, Gaithersburg, Galena, Hampstead, Laurel, Middletown and Mount Airy. The total funds awarded were $120,000.