1. (a)

   1. (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
   2. (2) “Program” means the Urban Trees Program.

   3. (3) “Qualified organization” means:

      1. (i) A nonprofit organization;
      2. (ii) A school;
      3. (iii) A community association;
      4. (iv) A service, youth, or civic group;
      5. (v) An institution of higher education;
      6. (vi) A county or municipality; or
      7. (vii) A forest conservancy district board.

   4. (4) “Underserved area” means an area of the State falling within the boundaries of:

      1. (i) An urban area, as delineated by the United States Census Bureau; and

      2. (ii) 1. A neighborhood that was, at any point in time, redlined or graded as “hazardous” by the Home Owners' Loan Corporation;

         1. 2. A census tract with an average rate of unemployment for the most recent 24-month period for which data are available that exceeds the average rate of unemployment for the State;
         2. 3. A census tract with a median household income for the most recent 24-month period for which data are available that is equal to or less than 75% of the median household income for the State during that period; or
         3. 4. A housing project as defined in § 12-101 of the Housing and Community Development Article.
2. (b) There is an Urban Trees Program administered by the Trust.
3. (c) The purpose of the Program is to plant native species of trees in underserved areas, in furtherance of the goals established under § 2-1212 of the Environment Article.

4. (d)

   1. (1) Beginning in fiscal year 2023, the Trust shall make grants to qualified organizations for tree-planting projects in underserved areas.
   2. (2) Eligible Program expenses include personnel costs, supplies, site preparation, and other expenses and materials related to planning, implementing, and maintaining tree-planting projects in underserved areas.

   3. (3) In awarding Program grants under this section, the Trust shall prioritize:

      1. (i) Grant applications from qualified organizations located in the underserved areas where the proposed tree-planting projects will be implemented; and
      2. (ii) Grant applications that include plans for engaging individuals, organizations, or businesses located in underserved areas to implement and maintain tree-planting projects in their communities.

5. (e)

   1. (1) The Program shall be funded with:

      1. (i) The amount specified in § 9-1605.2(i)(11)(i) of the Environment Article; and
      2. (ii) Any additional funds that may be allocated by the Trust through its annual budget process.
   2. (2) The Trust shall seek federal funds and grants and donations from private sources to be made to the Trust for the purpose of the Program.

6. (f) A grant agreement regarding funds from the Trust for the Program shall:

   1. (1) Specify the allowed use of the funds provided under the grant; and
   2. (2) Include provisions for verification that tree-planting projects are being implemented and maintained as planned.

7. (g) On or before October 1 each year, the Trust shall report to the Department and the Department of the Environment on the grants awarded by the Program during the immediately preceding fiscal year, including:

   1. (1) The names and descriptions of grant recipients;
   2. (2) The number and location of trees planted by grant recipients; and
   3. (3) Any other information required by the Department or the Department of the Environment.

8. (h)

   1. (1) For fiscal years 2024 through 2031, in each year the Governor shall include in the annual State budget an appropriation of $10,000,000 for the Program.
   2. (2) Money appropriated under this subsection is supplemental to and may not take the place of funding that otherwise would be appropriated for the Program.

Added by Acts 2021, c. 645, § 3, eff. June 1, 2021.