Annapolis, MD - Four Rivers: The Heritage Area of Annapolis, London Town & South County is pleased to announce that the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority (MHAA) has approved fiscal year 2007 funding for seven grant proposals within this heritage area. These grant funds of $299,000 will help support development of regional heritage-related projects totaling more than $1.8 million. All grants are fully matched at the local level, thus leveraging other funding to develop new projects, products, and activities consistent with the city, county, and state-approved heritage area Management Plan.

In addition to receiving $50,000 for operating assistance and an additional $10,000 for its own mini-grant program, Four Rivers assisted the following local heritage-related organizations in obtaining MHAA funding:

Historic London Town & Gardens in Edgewater will receive $100,000 to reconstruct a carpenter's shop using traditional building methods at the historic tobacco port and county park on the South River.

The Annapolis & Anne Arundel County Conference & Visitors Bureau was awarded $63,000, in addition to $20,000 in last year s MHAA grant round, for expansion of its visitor center on West Street in Annapolis.

The Annapolis Community Foundation was awarded $25,000 for planning activities related to Annapolis Charter 300, the 300th anniversary of the city charter in 2008.

MHAA approved two proposals submitted by the Historic Annapolis Foundation; $30,000 will support development of a children s audio tour of the historic district, and $21,000 is directed toward rehabilitation of the historic gardens at the William Paca House.

In addition, this year the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority approved a $49,000 request by Sultana Projects, Inc., to support development of a land-based traveling exhibit, Mapping the Course for a New Nation, on the historic Chesapeake Bay voyages of Captain John Smith. The exhibit will accompany the Captain John Smith shallop and crew on its reenactment voyage around the Bay in 2007, including a stop in Annapolis at City Dock next July.

"Four Rivers is committed to the preservation and enhancement of regional history and heritage," said Executive Director Donna Dudley, "and we are delighted to assist our heritage partners in obtaining the funding to reach their goals." Four Rivers, a state-certified heritage area, is part of the Maryland Heritage Areas Program, winner of the 2006 Preserve America Presidential Award.