By: Nicholas Sohr

After watching the legislature trim the guaranteed funds for the Heritage Structure Rehabilitation Tax Credit, Gov. Martin O’Malley is pressing for the funding to the popular program to be doubled.

The governor included an extra $5 million appropriation for the program in his supplemental budget, which will face the scalpel-wielding budget conference committee this week.

O’Malley had sought $50 million over three years – $20 million in fiscal 2011 and $15 million each in the two following years.

But, lawmakers opted instead for a $5 million appropriation in 2011, a plan the Senate and House of Delegates appear to agree on. The credit would be back up for annual appropriation from the governor and subject to cuts from the General Assembly.