§6–1102.

    (a)    There is a Business Facade Improvement Program in the Department.

    (b)    The purpose of the Program is to assist qualified businesses with improving the outside appearance of the businesses’ buildings and facilities.

    (c)    (1)    The Department shall distribute funds from the Program to political subdivisions that:

            (i)    have at least one sustainable community; and

            (ii)    apply for the funds.

        (2)    The Department shall develop:

            (i)    an application process for political subdivisions seeking to participate in the Program; and

            (ii)    criteria for:

                1.    rating political subdivisions that apply for funds; and

                2.    awarding funds to political subdivisions.

    (d)    (1)    Each political subdivision that receives funds under subsection (c) of this section shall distribute grants to qualified businesses that apply for a grant.

        (2)    Each political subdivision shall develop:

            (i)    a grant application process for qualified businesses seeking to participate in the Program; and

            (ii)    criteria for:

                1.    rating qualified businesses that apply for grants; and

                2.    awarding grants to qualified businesses.

    (e)    For fiscal year 2025 and each fiscal year thereafter, the Governor shall include in the annual budget bill an appropriation of $5,000,000 to the Program.