BERLIN — The Maryland Heritage Areas Authority (MHAA) has awarded the Beach to Bay Heritage Area nearly $167,000 in funding for projects totaling $346,000. Projects receiving funding include:

• All Hallows Church in Snow Hill for structural assessments;
• The Black-Eyed Susan riverboat, also located in Snow Hill, for structural renovations and repairs;
• The Sturgis One Room School House in Pocomoke City for interior and exterior repairs to the buildings; and
• The Ward Museum in Salisbury for new nature trail interpretive signs.

The Beach to Bay Heritage Area management entity also received record funding to manage the heritage area. These grant funds support heritage tourism projects and activities that draw visitors and expand economic development and tourism-related job creation throughout the Lower Shore.

“This funding is critical to the organizations here on the shore who strive every day to maintain and promote our cultural, historic and natural resources,” said Kristen Goller, board president of the Beach to Bay Heritage Area.

The Beach to Bay Heritage Area is one of 13 state-certified heritage areas in the state. The program provides $230 million in annual economic impact and generates $29.6 million in state and local taxes while supporting 3,145 full- and part-time jobs.