Commissioners approve MALPF matching funds amid lengthy debate over new solar law and preservation limits

Queen Anne's County Commissioners approved county contributions to the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation (MALPF) matching-funds program on April 22, 2025, while devoting much of the meeting to concerns about a new state solar law that limits utility-scale solar in priority preservation areas to 5 percent.

The commissioners voted to apply $673,689 of ag transfer tax and $166,921 of personal property tax associated with solar, and added a proposed $492,723 in general funds to the county's MALPF submittal. County staff said including the additional general-fund contribution raises the county submittal total to $4,009,901 and, if approved by the state, would generate additional state matching funds. “If you put in the extra, you'll get an extra $739,000 from the state,” said Donna Smith, county staff member, summarizing the expected match and the effect on how many farms could be preserved.

Why it matters

MALPF matching funds are the primary state program for purchasing agricultural conservation easements; county contributions determine how many easements the county can place in a given funding round. Commissioners and staff framed the vote as part of an effort to preserve farmland and limit the acreage available for commercial solar development under the new…