Town to consider Civil War heritage plan

December 13, 2005|by ERIN CUNNINGHAM

FUNKSTOWN

Steven Goodrich of Washington County's planning and community development department invited Funkstown on Monday to be added to a growing list of municipalities labeled "certified Civil War heritage areas."

Goodrich presented the draft of the Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area Management Plan at Monday's Town Council meeting. The plan creates heritage areas, approved by state officials. Once heritage areas have been established within the town, Funkstown would be eligible for several benefits.

Funkstown's Town Council opted to gather more information before making a decision on whether to take part in the program - which is designed to increase Civil War heritage-based tourism.

A certified Heritage Area could provide the town access to benefits, like marketing assistance for heritage tourism service providers, in the Heritage Area and loans, grants and tax credits.

The Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area was designed in 1996 to encourage investment in activities and structures that support heritage tourism and produce additional revenue for the town.

If the town chose to participate in the program, it would need to amend its comprehensive plan to mention its involvement.

Goodrich said if the town does participate, the grant process for state heritage funds is "a competitive process."

He said if Funkstown chooses to be certified as a Civil War heritage area, zoning and land use would not be affected.

Additional information is available at www.heartofthecivilwar.org.

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