ROBERT L. EHRLICH, JR., Governor                             Ch. 216

(i) The Department shall periodically review its portfolio in an effort to
ensure:

(1)      [equitable] EQUITABLE funds distribution among Maryland's
counties;

(2)      ADEQUATE FUNDING FOR QUALIFIED DISTRESSED COUNTY
PROJECTS; AND

(3)      THAT NO PARTICULAR QUALIFIED DISTRESSED COUNTY BENEFITS
DISPROPORTIONALLY FROM FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO QUALIFIED DISTRESSED
COUNTIES UNDER THIS SUBTITLE.

5-1406.

(c)      (1) Financial assistance provided to a local government to finance a
project may be in the form of a grant, loan, or investment and, EXCEPT AS PROVIDED
IN PARAGRAPH (2) OF THIS SUBSECTION, may be for an amount not exceeding
$3,000,000.

(2) SUBJECT TO § 5-1405(C)(1)(I) OF THIS SUBTITLE, FINANCIAL
ASSISTANCE FOR A QUALIFIED DISTRESSED COUNTY PROJECT MAY BE IN AN
AMOUNT DETERMINED BY THE DEPARTMENT.

[(2)] (3) A grant to a local economic development fund is subject to the
requirements set forth in § 5-1407 of this subtitle.

5-1410.

(d)     The provisions of this section do not apply to financial assistance to a local
government that uses the financial assistance provided under this subtitle to carry
out a project that:

(1)      [does] DOES not benefit a particular private sector entity; OR

(2)      IS LOCATED IN A QUALIFIED DISTRESSED COUNTY.

(e)     For the purpose of providing financial assistance under this subtitle, the
following shall be deemed to be in eligible industry sectors and are not subject to the
requirements specifically imposed on significant strategic economic development
opportunities and local economic development opportunities:

(1)     Animal waste technology projects;

(2)     Aquaculture projects;

(3)     Redevelopment of qualified brownfields sites;

(4)     Creation or expansion of child care facilities;

(5)     Arts and entertainment enterprises and arts and entertainment
projects; [and]

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