(a) (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated. (2) "Fund" means the Sustainable Maryland Program Fund. (3) "Program" means the Sustainable Maryland Program. (b) (1) There is a Sustainable Maryland Program. (2) The purpose of the Program is to provide research, access to resources, technical assistance, and certification programs for municipalities to increase sustainability, protect environmental well-being, and ensure economic vitality. (3) In carrying out the powers and duties granted under this section, the Program shall work in consultation and collaboration with institutions and organizations in the State, including: (i) The Environmental Finance Center at the University of Maryland; (ii) The School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation at the University of Maryland; and (iii) The Maryland Municipal League. (c) There is a Sustainable Maryland Program Fund. (d) The purpose of the Fund is to expand and enhance Sustainable Maryland's promotion and support of communities in the State in the effort to realize environmental, economic, and social sustainability. (e) The University of Maryland Environmental Finance Center shall administer the Fund. (f) (1) The Fund is a special, nonlapsing fund that is not subject to § 7- 302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article. (2) The State Treasurer shall hold the Fund separately, and the Comptroller shall account for the Fund. (g) The Fund consists of: (1) Money appropriated in the State budget to the Fund; (2) Interest earnings; and (3) Any other money from any other source accepted for the benefit of the Fund. (h) The Fund may be used only for: (1) Offering training and education to ensure communities are well informed on advances in sustainability science, policy, and practice; (2) Outreach and engagement to build local capacity and institutionalize sustainability efforts within communities, including: (i) An annual sustainability conference; (ii) A peer-to-peer learning exchange; and (iii) Sustainable Maryland green team roadshows; (3) Developing and expanding the Sustainable Maryland program; (4) Improving green community certification tiers with new strategies and actions; (5) Providing annual community innovation small grants to help communities pilot new innovative strategies; (6) Recognizing community efforts toward achieving green certification; and (7) Administrative expenses related to the Sustainable Maryland program. (i) (1) The State Treasurer shall invest the money of the Fund in the same manner as other State money may be invested. (2) Any interest earnings of the Fund shall be credited to the Fund. (j) Expenditures from the Fund may be made only in accordance with the State budget. (k) Money expended from the Fund for the Sustainable Maryland program is supplemental to and is not intended to take the place of funding that otherwise would be appropriated for the Sustainable Maryland program. (l) For fiscal year 2024 and each fiscal year thereafter, the Governor shall include in the annual budget bill an appropriation of $500,000 to the Fund.
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