<section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-101" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Appalachian Regional Development Program"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Act” means the federal Appalachian Regional Development Act of 1965.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Commission” means the federal Appalachian Regional Commission.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Program” means the federal Appalachian Regional Development Program.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-102" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Appalachian Regional Development Program"> <level label="a"> <text>The Department may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>coordinate and cooperate with any unit of the federal government to implement the Act in the State;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>enter into contracts and agreements under the Act;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>spend money for any purpose related to the Act, including for highways, natural resources, agriculture, education, training, health, and welfare; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>do all things necessary and proper to carry out the Act.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>If any unit of the federal government offers to the State services, equipment, supplies, materials, or money as a gift or grant to implement the Program, the State, acting through the Governor and Department, may accept the offer.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the Governor and Department accept the offer of a gift or grant under paragraph (1) of this subsection, the Governor and Department may authorize a unit of the State or a political subdivision to receive and use the gift or grant.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-103" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Appalachian Regional Development Program"> <level label="a"> <text>Subject to subsection (b) of this section, the Governor shall be a member of the Commission.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The Governor may designate an individual who is a member of the Governor’s cabinet or personal staff to serve as a member of the Commission on the Governor’s behalf.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Governor’s designee serves at the pleasure of the Governor.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Governor’s designee shall receive compensation as provided in the State budget.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The Governor’s designee is entitled to reimbursement for expenses as provided under the Standard State Travel Regulations.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Governor or the Governor’s designee may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>certify a local development commission to the Commission; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>perform any act necessary to carry out the provisions of this subtitle or the Act.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-201" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Southern States Energy Compact"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Board” means the Southern States Energy Board.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Compact” means the Southern States Energy Compact.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-202" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Southern States Energy Compact"> <text>The Southern States Energy Compact is entered into by this State with other states legally joining the compact in accordance with its terms, in the form substantially as follows:</text> <text>Article I. Policy and Purpose.</text> <text>The party states recognize that the proper employment and conservation of energy and employment of energy–related facilities, materials, and products, within the context of a responsible regard for the environment, can assist substantially in the industrialization of the South and the development of a balanced economy for the region. They also recognize that optimum benefit from and acquisition of energy resources and facilities require systematic encouragement, guidance, and assistance from the party states on a cooperative basis. It is the policy of the party states to undertake such cooperation on a continuing basis; it is the purpose of this compact to provide the instruments and framework for such a cooperative effort to improve the economy of the South and contribute to the individual and community well–being of the region’s people.</text> <text>Article II. The Board.</text> <level label="a"> <text>There is hereby created an agency of the party states to be known as the “Southern States Energy Board” (hereinafter called the board). The board shall be composed of three members from each party state, one of whom shall be appointed or designated in each state to represent the governor, the state senate, and the state house of delegates, respectively. Each member shall be designated or appointed in accordance with the law of the state which the member represents and serving and subject to removal in accordance with such law. Any member of the board may provide for the discharge of the member’s duties and the performance of the member’s functions thereon (either for the duration of the membership or for any lesser period of time) by a deputy or assistant, if the law of the member’s state makes specific provision therefore. The federal government may be represented without vote if provision is made by federal law for such representation.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Each party state shall be entitled to one vote on the board, to be determined by majority vote of each member or member’s representative from the party state present and voting on any question. No action of the board shall be binding unless taken at a meeting at which a majority of all party states are represented and unless a majority of the total number of votes on the board are cast in favor thereof.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The board shall have a seal.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The board shall elect annually, from among its members, a chairman, vice–chairman, and a treasurer. The board shall appoint an executive director who shall serve at its pleasure and who shall also act as secretary, and who, together with the treasurer, shall be bonded in such amounts as the board may require.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The executive director, with the approval of the board, shall appoint and remove or discharge such personnel as may be necessary for the performance of the board’s functions irrespective of the civil service, personnel or other merit system laws of any of the party states.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>The board may establish and maintain, independently or in conjunction with any one or more of the party states, a suitable retirement system for its full–time employees. Employees of the board shall be eligible for Social Security coverage in respect of old–age and survivors insurance provided that the board takes such steps as may be necessary pursuant to federal law to participate in such program of insurance as a governmental agency or unit. The board may establish and maintain or participate in such additional programs of employee benefits as may be appropriate.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>The board may borrow, accept, or contract for the services of personnel from any state of the United States or any subdivision or agency thereof, from any interstate agency, or from any institution, person, firm or corporation.</text> </level> <level label="h"> <text>The board may accept for any of its purposes and functions under this compact any and all donations, and grants of money, equipment, supplies, materials, and services (conditional or otherwise) from any state or the United States or any subdivision or agency thereof, or interstate agency, or from any institution, person, firm, or corporation, and may receive, utilize and dispose of the same.</text> </level> <level label="i"> <text>The board may establish and maintain such facilities as may be necessary for the transacting of its business. The board may acquire, hold, and convey real and personal property and any interest therein.</text> </level> <level label="j"> <text>The board shall adopt bylaws, rules, and regulations for the conduct of its business, and shall have the power to amend and rescind these bylaws, rules, and regulations. The board shall publish its bylaws, rules, and regulations in convenient form and shall file a copy thereof, and shall also file a copy of any amendment thereto, with the appropriate agency or officer in each of the party states.</text> </level> <level label="k"> <text>The board annually shall make to the governor of each party state, a report covering the activities of the board for the preceding year, and embodying such recommendations as may have been adopted by the board, which report shall be transmitted to the legislature of said state. The board may issue such additional reports as it may deem desirable.</text> <text>Article III. Finances.</text> </level> <level label="a"> <text>The board shall submit to the executive head or designated officer or officers of each party state a budget of its estimated expenditures for such period as may be required by the laws of that jurisdiction for presentation to the legislature thereof.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Each of the board’s budgets of estimated expenditures shall contain specific recommendations of the amount or amounts to be appropriated by each of the party states. One half of the total amount of each budget of estimated expenditures shall be apportioned among the party states in equal shares; one quarter of each such budget shall be apportioned among the party states in accordance with the ratio of their populations to the total population of the entire group of party states based on the last decennial federal census; and one quarter of each such budget shall be apportioned among the party states on the basis of the relative average per–capita income of the inhabitants in each of the party states based on the latest computations published by the federal census–taking agency. Subject to appropriation by their respective legislatures, the board shall be provided with such funds by each of the party states as are necessary to provide the means of establishing and maintaining facilities, a staff of personnel, and such activities as may be necessary to fulfill the powers and duties imposed upon and entrusted to the board.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The board may meet any of its obligations in whole or in part with funds available to it under Article II (h) of this compact provided that the board takes specific action setting aside such funds prior to the incurring of any obligation to be met in whole or in part in this manner. Except where the board makes use of funds available to it under Article II (h) hereof, the board shall not incur any obligation prior to the allotment of funds by the party jurisdictions adequate to meet the same.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The board shall keep accurate accounts of all receipts and disbursements. The receipts and disbursements of the board shall be subject to the audit and accounting procedures established under its bylaws. However, all receipts and disbursements of funds handled by the board shall be audited yearly by a qualified public accountant and the report of the audit shall be included in and become part of the annual report of the board.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The accounts of the board shall be open at any reasonable time for inspection.</text> <text>Article IV. Advisory Committees.</text> <text>The board may establish such advisory and technical committees as it may deem necessary, membership on which to include but not be limited to private citizens, expert and lay personnel, representatives of industry, labor, commerce, agriculture, civic associations, medicine, education, voluntary health agencies, and officials of local, state and federal government, and may cooperate with and use the services of any such committees and the organizations which they represent in furthering any of its activities under this compact.</text> <text>Article V. Powers.</text> <text>The board shall have the power to:</text> </level> <level label="a"> <text>ascertain and analyze on a continuing basis the position of the South with respect to energy, energy–related industries, and environmental concerns.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>encourage the development, conservation, and responsible use of energy and energy–related facilities, installations, and products as part of a balanced economy and healthy environment.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>collect, correlate, and disseminate information relating to civilian use of energy and energy–related materials and products.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>conduct, or cooperate in conducting, programs of training for state and local personnel engaged in any aspect of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>energy, environment, and application of energy, environmental, and related concerns to industry, medicine, or education or the promotion or regulation thereof.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the formulation or administration of measures designed to promote safety in any matter related to the development, use, or disposal of energy and energy–related materials, products, installations, or wastes.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>organize and conduct, or assist and cooperate in organizing and conducting, demonstrations of energy product, material, or equipment use and disposal and of proper techniques or processes for the application of energy resources to the civilian economy or general welfare.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>undertake such nonregulatory functions with respect to sources of radiation as may promote the economic development and general welfare of the region.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>study industrial, health, safety, and other standards, laws, codes, rules, regulations, and administrative practices in or related to energy and environmental fields.</text> </level> <level label="h"> <text>recommend such changes in, or amendments or additions to the laws, codes, rules, regulations, administrative procedures and practices or ordinances of the party states in any of the fields of its interest and competence as in its judgment may be appropriate. Any such recommendation shall be made through the appropriate state agency with due consideration of the desirability of uniformity but shall also give appropriate weight to any special circumstance which may justify variations to meet local conditions.</text> </level> <level label="i"> <text>prepare, publish and distribute (with or without charge) such reports, bulletins, newsletters or other materials as it deems appropriate.</text> </level> <level label="j"> <text>cooperate with the United States Department of Energy or any agency successor thereto, any other officer or agency of the United States, and any other governmental unit or agency or officer thereof, and with any private persons or agencies in any of the fields of its interest.</text> </level> <level label="k"> <text>act as licensee of the United States government or any party state with respect to the conduct of any research activity requiring such license and operate such research facility or undertake any program pursuant thereto.</text> </level> <level label="l"> <text>ascertain from time to time such methods, practices, circumstances, and conditions as may bring about the prevention and control of energy and environmental incidents in the area comprising the party states, to coordinate the nuclear, environmental, and other energy–related incident prevention and control plans and the work relating thereto of the appropriate agencies of the party states and to facilitate the rendering of aid by the party states to each other in coping with energy and environmental incidents. The board may formulate and, in accordance with need from time to time, revise a regional plan or regional plans for coping with energy and environmental incidents within the territory of the party states as a whole or within any subregion or subregions of the geographic area covered by this compact.</text> <text>Article VI. Supplementary Agreements.</text> </level> <level label="a"> <text>To the extent that the board has not undertaken an activity or project which would be within its power under the provisions of Article V of this compact, any two or more of the party states (acting by their duly constituted administrative officials) may enter into supplementary agreements for the undertaking and continuance of such an activity or project. Any such agreement shall specify its purpose or purposes; its duration and the procedure for termination thereof or withdrawal therefrom; the method of financing and allocating the costs of the activity or project; and such other matters as may be necessary or appropriate. No such supplementary agreement entered into pursuant to this article shall become effective prior to its submission to and approval by the board. The board shall give such approval unless it finds that the supplementary agreement or the activity or project contemplated thereby is inconsistent with the provisions of this compact or a program or activity conducted by or participated in by the board.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Unless all of the party states participate in a supplementary agreement, any cost or costs thereof shall be borne separately by the states party thereto. However, the board may administer or otherwise assist in the operation of any supplementary agreement.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>No party to a supplementary agreement entered into pursuant to this article shall be relieved thereby of any obligation or duty assumed by said party state under or pursuant to this compact, except that timely and proper performance of such obligation or duty by means of the supplementary agreement may be offered as performance pursuant to the compact.</text> <text>Article VII. Other Laws and Relationships.</text> <text>Nothing in this compact shall be construed to:</text> </level> <level label="a"> <text>permit or require any person or other entity to avoid or refuse compliance with any law, rule, regulation, order or ordinance of a party state or subdivision thereof now or hereafter made, enacted or in force.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>limit, diminish, or impair jurisdiction exercised by the United States Department of Energy, any agency successor thereto, or any other federal department, agency or officer pursuant to and in conformity with any valid and operative act of Congress.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>alter the relations between and respective internal responsibilities of the government of a party state and its subdivisions.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>permit or authorize the board to exercise any regulatory authority or to own or operate any nuclear reactor for the generation of electric energy; nor shall the board own or operate any facility or installation for industrial or commercial purposes.</text> <text>Article VIII. Eligible Parties, Entry into Force and Withdrawal.</text> </level> <level label="a"> <text>Any or all of the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the United States Virgin Islands shall be eligible to become party to this compact.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>As to any eligible party state, this compact shall become effective when its legislature has enacted the same into law: Provided that it shall not become initially effective until enacted into law by seven states.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Any party state may withdraw from this compact by enacting a statute repealing the same, but no such withdrawal shall become effective until the governor of the withdrawing state shall have sent formal notice in writing to the governor of each other party state informing said governors of the action of the legislature in repealing the compact and declaring an intention to withdraw.</text> <text>Article IX. Severability and Construction.</text> <text>The provisions of this compact and of any supplementary agreement entered into hereunder shall be severable and if any phrase, clause, sentence or provision of this compact or such supplementary agreement is declared to be contrary to the constitution of any participating state or of the United States or the applicability thereof to any government, agency, person, or circumstance is held invalid, the validity of the remainder of this compact or such supplementary agreement and the applicability thereof to any government, agency, person or circumstance shall not be affected thereby. If this compact or any supplementary agreement entered into hereunder shall be held contrary to the constitution of any state participating therein, the compact or such supplementary agreement shall remain in full force and effect as to the remaining states and in full force and effect as to the state affected as to all severable matters. The provisions of this compact and of any supplementary agreement entered into pursuant hereto shall be liberally construed to effectuate the purposes thereof.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-203" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Southern States Energy Compact"> <level label="a"> <text>The three members of the board from the State are as follows:</text> <level label="1"> <text>one member appointed by the Director of the Maryland Energy Administration, with the approval of the Governor;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>one member of the House of Delegates, appointed by the Speaker of the House; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>one member of the Senate of Maryland, appointed by the President of the Senate.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The term of the member appointed under subsection (a)(1) of this section expires at the end of the term of the appointing Governor.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The term of a member appointed under subsection (a)(2) or (3) of this section expires at the end of the term of that General Assembly.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-204" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Southern States Energy Compact"> <text>In accordance with Article III(a) of the compact, the board shall submit its budgets of estimated expenditures to the Governor for presentation to the General Assembly.</text> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-205" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Southern States Energy Compact"> <text>Any supplementary agreement entered in accordance with Article VI of the compact that requires the expenditure of money or the assumption of an obligation to expend money may not become effective as to the State before the General Assembly makes an appropriation for it.</text> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-206" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Southern States Energy Compact"> <text>The units and officers of the State and its political subdivisions may cooperate with the board in the furtherance of any of its activities under the compact.</text> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-301" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Baltimore Metropolitan Council"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Council” means the Baltimore Metropolitan Council.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Region” means the area that includes all of Anne Arundel County, Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, and Howard County.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-302" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Baltimore Metropolitan Council"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a Baltimore Metropolitan Council.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Council:</text> <level label="1"> <text>is a body politic and corporate; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>is not a unit of State government.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The purposes of the Council are to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>serve as a forum for local officials and their representatives to identify and address problems in the region;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>provide a central source of information and coordination for fashioning responses to needs in the region;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>assist local jurisdictions in developing regional policies, prioritizing regional infrastructure needs, and developing regional strategies; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>facilitate coordination and collaboration among local jurisdictions and organizations in the Baltimore region to foster economic growth and development in the region in areas that include:</text> <level label="i"> <text>regional transportation;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>housing;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>workforce development; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>renewable energy projects and usage.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-303" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Baltimore Metropolitan Council"> <level label="a"> <text>The Council consists of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>one member appointed by the County Executive of Anne Arundel County;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>one member appointed by the Mayor of Baltimore City;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>one member appointed by the County Executive of Baltimore County;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>one member appointed by the County Commissioners of Carroll County;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>one member appointed by the County Executive of Harford County;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>one member appointed by the County Executive of Howard County;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>one member appointed by the Board of County Commissioners of Queen Anne’s County;</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>one member of the House of Delegates who represents a district within Anne Arundel County, Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, or Queen Anne’s County, appointed by the Speaker of the House;</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>one member of the Senate of Maryland who represents a district within Anne Arundel County, Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, or Queen Anne’s County, appointed by the President of the Senate; and</text> </level> <level label="10"> <text>one representative of the private sector appointed by the Governor.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A member appointed under subsection (a)(1) through (7) of this section serves at the pleasure of the appointing authority.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-304" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Baltimore Metropolitan Council"> <text>As provided in the Council Charter, the Council shall elect a chair from among its members.</text> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-305" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Baltimore Metropolitan Council"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>The Council shall meet at least quarterly at the times and places that it determines.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A majority of the members of the Council is a quorum.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>An action of the Council is not effective unless approved by majority vote of all members of the Council.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A member of the Council:</text> <level label="1"> <text>may not receive compensation as a member of the Council; but</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>is entitled to reimbursement for reasonable expenses.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-306" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Baltimore Metropolitan Council"> <text>The Council may employ a staff.</text> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-307" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Baltimore Metropolitan Council"> <level label="a"> <text>The Council may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>adopt a seal;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>sue or be sued, subject to the limitations of Title 5, Subtitle 3 of the Courts Article;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>adopt a charter, bylaws, rules, and guidelines to carry out its purposes;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>acquire, hold, lease, use, encumber, transfer, or dispose of property;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>enter into a contract and execute any instrument necessary or convenient to carry out its purposes;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>exercise any corporate power granted to a corporation under the Corporations and Associations Article;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>serve, with the State Department of Transportation, as a metropolitan planning organization for federal funding and certification; and</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>do all things necessary or convenient to carry out the powers granted by this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Council shall report annually to the General Assembly, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, on:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the status of the Council’s efforts; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>recommended policy goals, strategies, and statutory changes to improve regional cooperation and the long–term health of the region.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-308" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Baltimore Metropolitan Council"> <text>The Council may accept from any private or public source a contribution or grant of money or property.</text> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-309" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Baltimore Metropolitan Council"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a Baltimore Region Transportation Board.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Board serves as the metropolitan planning organization for federal funding and certification as required by federal law.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Board consists of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the Mayor of the City of Annapolis;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the County Executive of Anne Arundel County;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the Mayor of Baltimore City;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>the County Executive of Baltimore County;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>the President of the Carroll County Commissioners;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>the County Executive of Harford County;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>the County Executive of Howard County;</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>the Secretary of Transportation;</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>the Secretary of the Environment;</text> </level> <level label="10"> <text>the Secretary of Planning; and</text> </level> <level label="11"> <text>as authorized under 23 U.S.C. §§ 134 and 135:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the chief executive officer or president of the board of commissioners of any other jurisdiction; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the secretary or chief appointed official of any other unit of State government.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-401" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Rural Maryland Council"> <text>In this subtitle, “Council” means the Rural Maryland Council.</text> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-402" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Rural Maryland Council"> <text>There is a Rural Maryland Council.</text> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-403" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Rural Maryland Council"> <text>The Council is a State rural development council that brings together members of the public and representatives of public sector entities and private sector organizations to address collaboratively problems and challenges facing rural communities in the State.</text> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-404" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Rural Maryland Council"> <text>The Council is an independent unit in the Executive Branch of State government that is placed under the State Department of Agriculture for administrative and budgetary purposes.</text> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-405" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Rural Maryland Council"> <level label="a"> <text>The membership of the Council is open to any resident of the State who has an interest in improving the quality of life in rural areas of the State and chooses to join the Council.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Council shall include:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the Governor or the Governor’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>as determined under the bylaws of the Council:</text> <level label="i"> <text>representatives from local, State, and federal agencies that serve rural interests; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>representatives from private sector organizations, including rural–based for–profit and nonprofit organizations and rural client groups; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>as nonvoting members:</text> <level label="i"> <text>one member of the Senate of Maryland from each of the three rural regions of the State, appointed by the President of the Senate;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>one member of the House of Delegates from each of the three rural regions of the State, appointed by the Speaker of the House; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>one member of the Senate of Maryland or the House of Delegates representing Harford County, appointed jointly by the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-406" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Rural Maryland Council"> <level label="a"> <text>From among its members, the Council shall elect each year a chair and one or more vice chairs.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Council shall adopt bylaws for the conduct of its business.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-407" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Rural Maryland Council"> <text>The Council shall establish an Executive Board.</text> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-408" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Rural Maryland Council"> <level label="a"> <text>The Executive Board shall include:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the chair of the Council;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the Governor or the Governor’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the Secretary or the Secretary’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>the Secretary of Agriculture or the designee of the Secretary of Agriculture;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>the Secretary of Health or the designee of the Secretary of Health;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>the Secretary of Housing and Community Development or the designee of the Secretary of Housing and Community Development;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>the Secretary of Natural Resources or the designee of the Secretary of Natural Resources;</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>the Director of the University of Maryland Cooperative Extension Service or the Director’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>two representatives of the Maryland Municipal League, selected from rural regions of the State;</text> </level> <level label="10"> <text>two representatives of the Maryland Association of Counties, selected from rural regions of the State;</text> </level> <level label="11"> <text>one representative of each of the rural regional planning and development councils in the State;</text> </level> <level label="12"> <text>one representative of each of the resource, conservation, and development councils in the State;</text> </level> <level label="13"> <text>one or more representatives of units of the federal government;</text> </level> <level label="14"> <text>one representative from Garrett County, Allegany County, or Washington County;</text> </level> <level label="15"> <text>one representative from Carroll County or Frederick County;</text> </level> <level label="16"> <text>one representative from Calvert County, Charles County, or St. Mary’s County;</text> </level> <level label="17"> <text>one representative from Cecil County or Harford County;</text> </level> <level label="18"> <text>one representative from Dorchester County, Somerset County, Wicomico County, or Worcester County;</text> </level> <level label="19"> <text>one representative of the private for–profit sector;</text> </level> <level label="20"> <text>one representative of the nonprofit sector;</text> </level> <level label="21"> <text>no more than six representatives of statewide nonprofit organizations with a rural focus;</text> </level> <level label="22"> <text>two at–large members, selected by the membership of the Council; and</text> </level> <level label="23"> <text>as nonvoting members, the senators and delegates appointed to the Council under § 13–405(b)(3) of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Members of the Executive Board shall be selected and serve in accordance with the bylaws of the Council.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Council may expand the membership of the Executive Board through the bylaws of the Council.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The chair of the Council is the chair of the Executive Board.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-409" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Rural Maryland Council"> <text>After a consensus of opinion has emerged, the Executive Board shall make recommendations on programmatic or regulatory matters of concern to rural communities.</text> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-410" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Rural Maryland Council"> <text>With the consent of the Executive Board, the chair may establish subcommittees or working committees consisting of members of the Council and interested parties to address or study specific issues.</text> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-411" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Rural Maryland Council"> <level label="a"> <text>The Council shall employ an Executive Director.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Executive Director:</text> <level label="1"> <text>is responsible for the daily operations of the Council; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>shall help develop policy recommendations for consideration by the Council or the Executive Board.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Executive Director serves at the pleasure of the Executive Board.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-412" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Rural Maryland Council"> <level label="a"> <text>The State Department of Agriculture shall provide the Council with necessary staff support and resources, including office space.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Each unit in the Executive Branch of State government shall participate in the deliberations of the Council and work with the Council on matters relating to the unit.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Attorney General is the legal advisor to the Council.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-413" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Rural Maryland Council"> <text>The Council is exempt from:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Division I of the State Personnel and Pensions Article;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Division II of the State Finance and Procurement Article, except as otherwise provided in § 11-203(b) of the State Finance and Procurement Article; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Title 10, Subtitle 1 of the State Government Article.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-414" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Rural Maryland Council"> <level label="a"> <text>The Governor shall include in the budget of the State Department of Agriculture funding for the Council.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Secretary of Agriculture shall include without revision the budget request of the Council in the budget request of the State Department of Agriculture that is provided to the Department of Budget and Management.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-415" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Rural Maryland Council"> <level label="a"> <text>The Council may undertake any activity that addresses issues and concerns of rural areas of the State as long as the activity is not inconsistent with provisions of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 regarding the National Rural Development Partnership and state rural development councils, 7 U.S.C. § 2008m.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Council may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>maintain a principal office at a location in the central region of the State that is accessible to the rural public;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>employ, as regular employees or as independent contractors, staff that the Council considers necessary in accordance with the Council budget;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>enter into contracts;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>accept grants and other assistance from the federal government, other units of State government, local governments, or a private source; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>do all things necessary or convenient to carry out its purpose.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-416" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Rural Maryland Council"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>“Eligible applicant” means:</text> <level label="1"> <text>a nonprofit organization;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>a unit of local government;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>a State–recognized tribe;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>an institution of higher education in the State;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>a regional planning agency; or</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>an economic or workforce development organization.</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>“Eligible applicant” does not include State governmental entities.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Program” means the Rural Readiness Program.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>“Rural community” has the meaning stated in § 2–207 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The General Assembly finds that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>rural communities are often disadvantaged when competing for financial and other resources due to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>a lack of capacity and population density resulting in limited resources due to a smaller tax base; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>limited access to critical infrastructure, including broadband and transportation;</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>a deficiency exists in the essential elements needed for rural communities to thrive and address the needs of the rural community;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>rural communities struggle to recruit and retain skilled staff needed to implement and manage projects particularly in technical support for economic and community development;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>rural communities experience challenges in social cohesion and networks that make it hard to mobilize resources and collectively address issues;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>the population of rural communities is likely to be older, poorer, and sicker due to age and an outmigration of younger people; and</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>not addressing the challenges of rural communities will manifest as disparities in health care access, educational attainment, economic opportunities, and infrastructure development.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>There is a Rural Readiness Program administered by the Council.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>The purpose of the Program is to enhance the capacity in rural communities for economic development by assisting eligible applicants accepted into the Program with grant applications and developing projects that generate revenue.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Council shall establish assessments, toolkits, and other resources to support the purpose of the Program.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>Eligible applicants may apply to the Council to participate in the Program.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Council’s Executive Board shall establish:</text> <level label="i"> <text>criteria to evaluate eligible applicants for acceptance into the Program; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>participation guidelines.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>The Council’s Executive Director shall certify the eligible applicants that have successfully completed the Program.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Eligible applicants that have received a completion certificate shall be given priority for the following grant programs:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the Maryland Agricultural Education and Rural Development Assistance Fund established under § 2–206 of the State Finance and Procurement Article;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the Rural Maryland Prosperity Investment Fund established under § 2–207 of the State Finance and Procurement Article; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>the Rural Maryland Capacity Building Fund established under § 2–207.1 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-417" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Rural Maryland Council"> <text>The Council shall publish and submit an annual report of its activities to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, to the General Assembly.</text> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-501" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Rural Broadband Coordination Board"> <text>In this subtitle, “Board” means the Maryland Rural Broadband Coordination Board.</text> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-502" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Rural Broadband Coordination Board"> <text>There is a Maryland Rural Broadband Coordination Board.</text> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-503" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Rural Broadband Coordination Board"> <level label="a"> <text>The Board consists of the following members:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the Secretary, or the Secretary’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the Secretary of Transportation, or the designee of the Secretary of Transportation;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the Secretary of Information Technology or the Director of Network Maryland as the designee of the Secretary of Information Technology;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>the chair of the Rural Maryland Council, or the chair’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>the chair of the Tri–County Council for Southern Maryland, or the chair’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>the chair of the Tri–County Council for Western Maryland, or the chair’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>the chair of the Mid–Shore Regional Council, or the chair’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>the chair of the Tri–County Council for the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland, or the chair’s designee; and</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>the chair of the Upper Shore Regional Council, or the chair’s designee.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Board shall elect a chair from among its members.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Board shall adopt bylaws to carry out this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-504" future_version_removed="true" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Rural Broadband Coordination Board"> <text>The Board shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>assist in the deployment of broadband communication infrastructure in rural and underserved areas of the State;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>cooperate with public, private, and nonprofit entities to obtain, coordinate, and disseminate resources for the establishment of broadband communication services in rural and underserved areas of the State;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>review and approve the disbursement of funds under the Rural Broadband Assistance Fund under § 6.5–107 of the Housing and Community Development Article and any other federal, State, and private financial resources that may be provided to assist the establishment of broadband communication services in rural and underserved areas of the State; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>perform other functions that are consistent with the intent of this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-505" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Rural Broadband Coordination Board"> <text>The Board and affected units of State government shall cooperate fully in carrying out the intent of this subtitle.</text> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-506" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Rural Broadband Coordination Board"> <text>The Rural Maryland Council shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>provide staff support to the Board; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>report on the activities of the Board in the preceding fiscal year in the Council’s annual report under § 13–416 of this title.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-601" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Commissioners” means the Board of County Commissioners of Calvert County, Charles County, or St. Mary’s County, respectively.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Council” means the Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Executive Director” means the Executive Director of the Council.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Plan” means a regional plan that the Council prepares for the region.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>“Region” means Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s counties.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-602" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a Tri–County Council for Southern Maryland.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The Council is a tax–exempt body politic and corporate.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Council is an independent unit that the Governor may not place in a principal department.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The Council is a cooperative planning and development unit for the region.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The purposes of the Council are to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>foster the physical, economic, and social development of the region; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>use effectively the assistance provided to the region by the State.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Council initiates and coordinates plans and projects for the development of human and economic resources of the region as a southern Maryland planning and development unit.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-603" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland"> <level label="a"> <text>The Council consists of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the members of the General Assembly representing the region, as voting members;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the commissioners of Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s counties, as voting members;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>one voting member appointed by the president of the Southern Maryland Municipal Association;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>one voting member at large from each county, appointed by the commissioners of the county with the concurrence of the members of the General Assembly representing the county;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>one nonvoting member from each county, appointed jointly by the economic development commission and the planning and zoning commission of the county; and</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>one nonvoting member appointed by the Department and the Department of Planning.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>An ex officio member is a member only during the member’s term of office.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A member at large serves at the pleasure of the elected members who represent the same county.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>At the end of a term, a member continues to serve until a successor is appointed.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Except for an ex officio member, a member who is appointed after a term has begun serves only for the rest of the term and until a successor is appointed.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-604" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland"> <text>The Council shall elect a chair from among its members.</text> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-605" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland"> <level label="a"> <text>The Council shall establish committees to conduct its work.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The membership of a committee may include individuals who are not Council members or elected officials.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-606" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland"> <text>A member of the Council is not entitled to compensation as a member of the Council.</text> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-607" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>The Council shall appoint an Executive Director qualified by training and experience.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Executive Director is the chief administrative and planning officer and technical advisor of the Council.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Executive Director serves at the pleasure of the Council.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Council shall establish the powers and duties of the Executive Director.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Executive Director is entitled to the compensation that the Council sets.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-608" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland"> <text>The Attorney General is the legal advisor to the Council.</text> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-609" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland"> <level label="a"> <text>The Council may employ a staff and retain professional consultants.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Council shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>determine the powers and duties of the staff; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>set the compensation of the staff.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The Executive Director shall appoint and remove the staff of the Council.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Executive Director may contract for professional or consultant services.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Executive Director may make agreements with local planning units in the region for temporary transfer or joint use of staff.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-610" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland"> <text>The Council has the immunity from suit provided in § 5-505 of the Courts Article.</text> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-611" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland"> <level label="a"> <text>The State and Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s counties may jointly finance the Council and its activities.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The State may provide financial support to the Council to assist in carrying out the activities of the Council.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>On or before August 1 of each year, the Council shall submit its proposed work programs and operating budget for the following fiscal year to the Department.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The submission shall include supporting schedules to show how the budget is financed, and to provide for review and recommendations.</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>After review, the Department shall forward the submission and any recommendations to the Department of Budget and Management for consideration.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="i"> <text>The Governor shall include in the State budget for the following fiscal year an appropriation to partially support the Council.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <level label="1"> <text>For fiscal year 2024 and each fiscal year thereafter, the Governor shall include in the annual budget bill an appropriation of $1,000,000 to the Council from the Cigarette Restitution Fund established under § 7–317 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Council shall use funds appropriated from the Cigarette Restitution Fund for the purpose of funding the activities of the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The appropriation required under subsubparagraph 1 of this subparagraph shall be in addition to, and may not supplant, any funding appropriated to the Council.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The county commissioners of Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s counties shall appropriate money each year for the Council to foster cooperative planning and development in the region as follows:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Calvert County – $125,000;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Charles County – $125,000; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>St. Mary’s County – $125,000.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s counties may appropriate any other money for the Council as they consider necessary and appropriate.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Council may accept additional money from any other public or private source.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-612" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland"> <level label="a"> <text>In this section, “property manager” means an entity responsible for the management and maintenance of real property, including:</text> <level label="1"> <text>finding tenants;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>collecting rent;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>paying expenses and applicable taxes;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>maintaining utilities and systems; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>taking any necessary actions to manage and operate real property.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Council may operate in the region.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Council may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>adopt a seal;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>sue;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>adopt bylaws and rules for the conduct of its business;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>enter into contracts and agreements;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>borrow money and accept advances, loans, grants, contributions, and any other form of assistance from the federal government, the State, or other public or private source;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>give any required security;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>include in any contract for financial assistance with the federal government any reasonable and appropriate condition imposed under federal law that is not inconsistent with the purposes of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>execute any instrument and act as necessary, convenient, or desirable to carry out its powers and the purposes of this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>act as a property manager of the Southern Maryland Regional Agricultural Center owned by and located within St. Mary’s County.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Council shall publish its rules.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-612.1" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland"> <level label="a"> <text>Subject to subsections (b) and (c) of this section, in order to accomplish the purposes of this subtitle, the Council may use any money available to it to finance the purchase or lease of property only by:</text> <level label="1"> <text>one or more of the following Southern Maryland counties:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Anne Arundel County;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Calvert County;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Charles County;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Prince George’s County; and</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>St. Mary’s County;</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the Maryland Food Center Authority; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>another entity, as determined by the Council, that is authorized to finance or purchase property.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>If the Council determines that money should be used to finance the purchase or lease of property under subsection (a) of this section, the Council, in accordance with State procurement law, shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>prepare and issue a request for proposals;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>evaluate responses to the request; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>select an entity to purchase or lease property.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the Council may not own or lease property.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Council may lease office space for its own use.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-613" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland"> <text>The Council may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>prepare studies of the region’s resources with respect to existing and emerging problems of industry, commerce, transportation, population, housing, agriculture, public services, local governments, and any other matters relevant to regional planning;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>collect, process, and analyze at regular intervals the social and economic statistics for the region that are necessary to planning studies; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>make the results available to the public;</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>participate with other governmental units, educational institutions, and private organizations in the coordination of the research activities; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>provide information to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>units and instrumentalities of the federal, State, and local governments; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the public, in order to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>foster public awareness and understanding of the objectives of the plan and the functions of regional and local planning; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>stimulate public interest and participation in the orderly, integrated development of the region.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-614" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>The Council shall cooperate with other units of State government.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Council shall submit for approval each plan or project of the Council in which the State units have a statutory function or responsibility.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Council may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>cooperate with and provide planning assistance to local governments, instrumentalities, and planning units in the region; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>coordinate regional area planning with:</text> <level label="i"> <text>planning activities of the State and of the local governmental units, including special districts, in the region and neighboring areas; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>programs of the federal government.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-618" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland"> <text>The Council shall prepare, adopt, and periodically revise a general development plan for the region that embodies the policy recommendations of the Council.</text> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-619" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland"> <text>The objectives of the plan are to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>guide a coordinated, adjusted, efficient, and economic development of the region in a manner that will best promote the health, safety, order, convenience, prosperity, and welfare of the residents of the region in accordance with present and future needs and resources;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>provide for patterns of urbanization and the uses of land and resources for trade, industry, recreation, forestry, agriculture, and tourism;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>create conditions favorable to the development of human resources;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>identify the public interest and the necessity for public action and intergovernmental cooperation and coordination in the region; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>coordinate with efforts of the private sector in the region.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-620" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland"> <text>The plan shall include:</text> <level label="1"> <text>a statement of the objectives, standards, and principles sought to be expressed in the plan;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>recommendations for the most desirable pattern and intensity of general land use in the region in the light of the best available information concerning natural environmental factors, the present and prospective economic and demographic basis of the region, and the relation of land use in the region to land use in adjoining areas;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>recommendations for the general circulation pattern for the region including land, water, and air transportation and communication facilities, used for movement within the region or to and from adjoining areas;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>recommendations on the need for and proposed general location of public and private works and facilities that, because of their function, size, extent, or for any other reason, are of a regional rather than a purely local concern;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>recommendations for the long–range programming and financing of capital projects and facilities;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>recommendations for meeting the housing needs of existing and prospective immigrant populations of the region;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>recommendations for the development of programs and improvements in the region for health services, manpower planning, employment opportunity, education, elimination of poverty, and law enforcement; and</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>any other appropriate recommendations on current and impending problems that may affect the region.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-621" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>The Council shall hold a public hearing before adopting all or part of the plan.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>At least 60 days before the public hearing, the Council shall submit the plan to the Department of Planning and to the local planning commissions and governing bodies of each political subdivision in the region.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Council shall publish notice of the hearing in newspapers of general circulation in each county in the region, at least once each week for 3 weeks before the hearing.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>On or before the date of the hearing:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the Department of Planning may recommend to the Council changes needed in the plan to conform it to State plans and policies; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>each local planning commission and governing body of each political subdivision in the region may make recommendations to the Council on the effect of the plan in the political subdivision.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Council shall reevaluate the plan for the development of the region at least every 4 years, after the election of State and local officials.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-622" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland"> <text>The Council may amend the plan in the same manner that it adopts the original plan.</text> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-623" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland"> <text>After the Council adopts the plan, the Council may not establish a policy or take an action that does not conform to the plan.</text> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-624" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland"> <level label="a"> <text>The Council may review:</text> <level label="1"> <text>any application that a political subdivision in the region makes to a unit of the State or federal government for a loan or grant for a project; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>a local plan, proposal for a project, or ordinance that may have an impact outside the boundary of the political subdivision or in the region.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Before applying to a unit of the State or federal government for a loan or grant for a project, a political subdivision in the region shall submit the application to the Council for its review.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Council shall forward its findings and determinations to the referring political subdivision and to the appropriate State or federal unit.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-625" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland"> <text>If the Council has adopted a plan for the region:</text> <level label="1"> <text>a governmental unit in the region may not adopt a plan, or amendment to a plan, having a regional impact until the plan is referred to the Council for its consideration, review, and recommendations; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>a road, park, public way, public building, or other development that is regional in nature or affects an area greater than a single unit of government may not be constructed or authorized in the region until the proposed location and its extent are referred to the Council for consideration, review, and recommendations.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-701" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Tri-County Council for Western Maryland"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Commissioners” means the Board of County Commissioners of Allegany County, Garrett County, or Washington County, respectively.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Council” means the Tri–County Council for Western Maryland.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Executive Director” means the Executive Director of the Council.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Member county” means each county in the region that pays annual dues that the Council sets.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>“Plan” means a regional plan that the Council prepares for the region.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>“Region” means Allegany, Garrett, and Washington counties.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-702" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Tri-County Council for Western Maryland"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a Tri-County Council for Western Maryland.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The Council is a tax-exempt body politic and corporate.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Council is an independent unit that the Governor may not place in a principal department.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The Council is a cooperative regional planning and development unit for the region.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The purposes of the Council are to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>foster the physical, economic, and social development of the region; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>use effectively the assistance provided to the region by the State.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Council initiates and coordinates plans and projects for the development of human and economic resources of the region as a western Maryland planning and development unit.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-703" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Tri-County Council for Western Maryland"> <level label="a"> <text>The Council consists of the following 26 members:</text> <level label="1"> <text>two commissioners from each member county;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the Director of Economic Development from each member county;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>two mayors from each member county or their representatives, appointed by the commissioners from their respective member county;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>the chair of each member county’s legislative delegation to the House of Delegates, or the chair’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>the two members of the Senate of Maryland representing the member counties in Districts 1 and 2;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>six private citizens, two from each member county, who are:</text> <level label="i"> <text>appointed by their respective commissioners;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>not listed under item (1), (2), (3), (4), or (5) of this subsection; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>neither elected officials nor employees of a unit of local government.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>A member who qualifies because of the member’s elected or appointed position is a member of the Council only during the member’s term of office in the elected or appointed position.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A member appointed:</text> <level label="i"> <text>under subsection (a)(3) of this section, serves at the pleasure of the commissioners for the county that the member represents;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>under subsection (a)(4) of this section, shall reside in the member county that the member represents; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>under subsection (a)(6) of this section:</text> <level label="1"> <text>serves at the pleasure of the commissioners who appointed the member; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>has the same term as the commissioners who appointed the member.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>At the end of a term, a member continues to serve until a successor is appointed and qualifies.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Except for an ex officio member, a member who is appointed after a term has begun serves only for the rest of the term and until a successor is appointed and qualifies.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-704" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Tri-County Council for Western Maryland"> <level label="a"> <text>There is an Executive Committee of the Council.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Executive Committee consists of the Chair, Vice–Chair, and Secretary/Treasurer of the Council.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>On a rotating basis, a commissioner member of the Council from each member county shall serve as the Chair, Vice–Chair, and Secretary/Treasurer, respectively.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The term of each officer is 1 year.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-705" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Tri-County Council for Western Maryland"> <level label="a"> <text>The Council shall establish committees to conduct its work.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The membership of a committee may include individuals who are not Council members or elected officials.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-706" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Tri-County Council for Western Maryland"> <text>A member of the Council is not entitled to compensation as a member of the Council.</text> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-707" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Tri-County Council for Western Maryland"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>The Council shall appoint an Executive Director qualified by training and experience.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Executive Director is the chief administrative and planning officer and regular technical advisor of the Council.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Executive Director serves at the pleasure of the Council.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The Council shall establish the powers and duties of the Executive Director.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Executive Director appoints and removes the staff of the Council.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Executive Director is entitled to the compensation that the Council sets.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-708" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Tri-County Council for Western Maryland"> <text>With the consent of the Attorney General, the Council may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>select and retain its own counsel; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>use the Attorney General as its legal counsel.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-709" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Tri-County Council for Western Maryland"> <level label="a"> <text>The Council may employ a staff and retain professional consultants.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Council shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>determine the powers and duties of the staff; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>set the compensation of the staff.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Executive Director may contract for professional or consultant services.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Executive Director may make agreements with local planning or economic development units in the region for temporary transfer or joint use of staff.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-710" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Tri-County Council for Western Maryland"> <text>The Council has the immunity from suit provided in § 5-506 of the Courts Article.</text> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-711" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Tri-County Council for Western Maryland"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>Each year the State shall appropriate money to the Council in the State budget.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The State allocation is contingent on the commitment of the participating counties to contribute matching amounts equal to the amount disbursed by the State.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="i"> <text>On or before August 1 of each year, the Council shall submit its proposed work programs and operating budget for the following fiscal year to the Department.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The submission shall include supporting schedules to show that the budget is financed and to provide for review and recommendations.</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>After review, the Department shall forward the submission and any recommendations to the Department of Budget and Management for consideration.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The Department shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>review, approve, and confirm the counties’ commitments; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>include with its budget request the budget request for the Council.</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The Governor shall include in the State budget for the following fiscal year an appropriation to partially support the Council.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The State and Allegany, Garrett, and Washington counties may jointly finance the Council and its activities.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The commissioners of Allegany, Garrett, and Washington counties shall appropriate money each year to the Council to foster cooperative planning and development in the region.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Allegany, Garrett, and Washington counties may appropriate any other money for the Council as they consider necessary and appropriate.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Other political subdivisions, including special districts, may appropriate money to the Council as they consider necessary and appropriate.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Council may use additional money from any other public or private source.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-712" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Tri-County Council for Western Maryland"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>The Council may operate in the region.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Association with the Council is open to all counties, municipal corporations, and special districts in the region.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Council may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>adopt a seal;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>sue;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>adopt bylaws and rules for the conduct of its business;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>enter into contracts or agreements;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>borrow money and accept advances, loans, grants, contributions, and any other form of assistance from the federal government, the State, or other public or private source;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>give any required security;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>include in any contract for financial assistance with the federal government any reasonable and appropriate condition imposed under federal laws that is not inconsistent with the purposes of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>execute any instrument and act as necessary, convenient, or desirable to carry out its powers and the purposes of this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>monitor, coordinate, and facilitate the activities and policies of any additional programs serving the region, except those subject to State or federal designation.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Council shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>adopt bylaws governing the procedures and policies of its membership; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>publish its rules.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-713" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Tri-County Council for Western Maryland"> <text>The Council may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>prepare studies of the region’s resources with respect to existing and emerging problems of industry, commerce, transportation, population, housing, agriculture, public services, local governments, and any other matter relevant to regional planning;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>collect, process, and analyze at regular intervals the social and economic statistics for the region that are necessary to planning studies; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>make the results available to the public;</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>participate with other governmental units, educational institutions, and private organizations in the coordination of the research activities;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>provide information to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>units and instrumentalities of the federal, State, and local governments; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the public, in order to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>foster public awareness and understanding of the objectives of the plan and the functions of regional and local planning; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>stimulate public interest and participation in the orderly, integrated development of the region.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-714" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Tri-County Council for Western Maryland"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>The Council shall cooperate with other units of State government.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Council shall submit for approval each plan or project of the Council in which the State units have a statutory function or responsibility.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Council may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>cooperate with and provide planning assistance to local governments, instrumentalities, and planning units in the region; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>coordinate regional area planning with:</text> <level label="i"> <text>planning activities of the State and of the local governmental units, including special districts, in the region and neighboring areas; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>programs of the federal government.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-718" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Tri-County Council for Western Maryland"> <text>The Council shall prepare, adopt, and periodically revise a general development plan for the region that embodies the policy recommendations of the Council.</text> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-719" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Tri-County Council for Western Maryland"> <text>The objectives of the plan are to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>guide a coordinated, adjusted, efficient, and economic development of the region in a manner that will best promote the health, safety, order, convenience, prosperity, and welfare of the residents of the region in accordance with present and future needs and resources;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>provide for patterns of urbanization and the uses of land and resources for trade, industry, recreation, forestry, agriculture, and tourism;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>create conditions favorable to the development of human resources;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>identify the public interest and the necessity for public action and intergovernmental cooperation and coordination in the region;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>coordinate with the efforts of the private sector in the region;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>recognize any State comprehensive planning and development activities;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>reflect the plans and programs of the participating governmental units; and</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>take into account economic and demographic factors, conditions, and trends that are relevant to the future development of the region.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-720" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Tri-County Council for Western Maryland"> <text>The plan shall include:</text> <level label="1"> <text>a statement of the objectives, standards, and principles sought to be expressed in the plan;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>recommendations for the general circulation pattern for the region including land, water, and air transportation and communication facilities used for movement within the region or to and from adjoining areas;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>recommendations on the need for and proposed general location of public and private works and facilities that because of their function, size, extent, or for any other reason are of a regional rather than a purely local concern;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>recommendations for the long-range programming and financing of capital projects and facilities;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>recommendations for meeting housing needs of existing and prospective immigrant population of the region;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>recommendations for the development of programs and improvements in the region for health services, manpower planning, employment opportunity, education, elimination of poverty, and law enforcement;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>the identification of issues that need to be resolved between local governments and make appropriate recommendations concerning these issues;</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>the promotion of regional concerns; and</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>any other appropriate recommendations on current and impending problems that may affect the region.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-721" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Tri-County Council for Western Maryland"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>The Council shall hold a public hearing before adopting all or part of the plan.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>At least 60 days before the public hearing, the Council shall submit the plan to the Department of Planning and to the local planning commissions, and the governing body of each political subdivision in the region.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Council shall publish notice of the hearing in newspapers of general circulation in each county in the region, at least once each week for 3 weeks before the hearing.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>On or before the date of the hearing:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the Department of Planning may recommend to the Council changes needed in the plan to conform it to State plans and policies; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>each local planning commission and governing body of each political subdivision in the region may make recommendations to the Council on the effect of the plan in the political subdivision.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Council shall reevaluate the plan for the development of the region at least every 4 years.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-722" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Tri-County Council for Western Maryland"> <level label="a"> <text>The Council may amend the plan in the same manner that it adopts the original plan.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Council need not follow the procedure used to adopt the original plan in order to revise the plan as necessary and appropriate for a statistical and informational update.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-723" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Tri-County Council for Western Maryland"> <text>After the Council adopts the plan, the Council may not establish any policy or take an action that does not conform to the plan.</text> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-724" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Tri-County Council for Western Maryland"> <text>The Council may review:</text> <level label="1"> <text>any application that a political subdivision in the region makes:</text> <level label="i"> <text>to a unit of the State or federal government for a loan or grant for projects; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>through the State Clearinghouse for Intergovernmental Assistance in the Department of Planning; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>a local plan, proposal for a project, or ordinance that may have an impact outside the boundary of the political subdivision or in the region.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-727" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Tri-County Council for Western Maryland"> <text>In this part, “Bureau” means the Western Maryland Regional Tourism Bureau.</text> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-728" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Tri-County Council for Western Maryland"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a Western Maryland Regional Tourism Bureau in the Council.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The purposes of the Bureau are to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>develop advertising and marketing programs to disseminate information about the region;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>stimulate tourism in the region;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>encourage the development of the region’s recreational areas and facilities;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>promote business and job opportunities in the region through tourism;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>develop public awareness of the heritage and history of the region;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>coordinate and facilitate special events programming for the region;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>serve as a liaison between the region’s tourism industry, the Governor, the Department, other units of State government, private organizations, and the General Assembly; and</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>advise the Governor, the Department, and the General Assembly on programs affecting the tourism industry.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-729" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Tri-County Council for Western Maryland"> <level label="a"> <text>The Executive Board of the Bureau consists of the following 15 members:</text> <level label="1"> <text>from Allegany County:</text> <level label="i"> <text>two members appointed by the commissioners;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>two members appointed by the county Chamber of Commerce; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>one member appointed by the members of the Allegany County delegation to the General Assembly from the members of the Council who are in the delegation;</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>from Garrett County:</text> <level label="i"> <text>two members appointed by the commissioners;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>two members appointed from the Deep Creek Lake Garrett County Promotional Council by the commissioners; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>one member appointed by the members of the Garrett County delegation to the General Assembly from the members of the Council who are in the delegation; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>from Washington County:</text> <level label="i"> <text>two members appointed by the commissioners;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>two members appointed by the county Chamber of Commerce; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>one member appointed by the members of the Washington County delegation to the General Assembly from the members of the Council who are in the delegation.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The members of the Executive Board serve the terms set in the bylaws of the Bureau.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>After the initial appointment of the Executive Board, the qualifications and appointment of members are subject to the bylaws of the Bureau.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-730" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Tri-County Council for Western Maryland"> <text>A member of the Executive Board of the Bureau:</text> <level label="1"> <text>is not entitled to compensation as a member of the Executive Board; but</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-731" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Tri-County Council for Western Maryland"> <level label="a"> <text>The Bureau may establish officers, procedures, and voting requirements.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Bureau may employ a staff in accordance with its bylaws.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-732" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Tri-County Council for Western Maryland"> <text>As the Executive Board decides, the budget of the Bureau may consist of private memberships and public contributions.</text> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-733" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Tri-County Council for Western Maryland"> <level label="a"> <text>The Bureau may establish a private, nonprofit corporation to assist the Bureau.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Subject to the Corporations and Associations Article, the Bureau shall determine the powers and duties of the corporation.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Bureau may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>set the number of members of the Board of Directors of the corporation;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>set a procedure to elect and remove directors;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>set the compensation of a director; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>require the corporation to report periodically to the Bureau on its activities.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-736" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Tri-County Council for Western Maryland"> <level label="a"> <text>In this part the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Board” means the Western Maryland Economic Future Investment Board established under § 13–737 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Executive Director” means the Executive Director of the Board.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Fund” means the Senator George C. Edwards Fund established under § 13–739 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-737" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Tri-County Council for Western Maryland"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a Western Maryland Economic Future Investment Board.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Board consists of the following members:</text> <level label="1"> <text>one representative from District 1, appointed by the Speaker of the House, in consultation with the District 1 delegation to the Maryland General Assembly;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>one representative from District 1, appointed by the President of the Senate, in consultation with the District 1 delegation to the Maryland General Assembly;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>one representative from District 2, appointed by the Speaker of the House, in consultation with the District 2 delegation to the Maryland General Assembly;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>one representative from District 2, appointed by the President of the Senate, in consultation with the District 2 delegation to the Maryland General Assembly; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>the Executive Director, as a nonvoting member, except that the Executive Director may vote to break a tie on any item voted by the Board.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The voting members of the Board may elect a chair from among the Board’s members.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Council shall provide staff for the Board.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>A member of the Board:</text> <level label="1"> <text>may not receive compensation as a member of the Board; but</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>The voting members of the Board shall have final approval authority on:</text> <level label="1"> <text>disbursements from the Fund; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>projects selected in accordance with § 13–740 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <text>A member of the Maryland General Assembly may not serve as a member of the Board.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-738" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Tri-County Council for Western Maryland"> <level label="a"> <text>The Board shall appoint an Executive Director.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Executive Director serves at the pleasure of the Board.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The salary of the Executive Director may not exceed $75,000.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Executive Director shall manage the administrative affairs and technical activities of the Board, in accordance with policies and procedures the Board establishes.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The Executive Director:</text> <level label="1"> <text>may assist in administering the Fund under § 13–739 of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>shall present the projects selected in accordance with § 13–740 of this subtitle as determined by the voting members of the Board; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>shall perform any other duties that the Board directs in carrying out this part.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-739" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Tri-County Council for Western Maryland"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a Senator George C. Edwards Fund.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The purpose of the Fund is to provide grant or loan funding to create jobs and significant economic development opportunities in the region.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Council shall administer the Fund.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>The Fund consists of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>appropriations as provided in the State budget;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>interest or other income earned on the investment of money in the Fund; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>any other money accepted for the benefit of the Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In each of fiscal years 2024 through 2026, the Governor shall include in the annual operating or capital budget bill an appropriation of at least $10,000,000 to the Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>Money in the Fund may be used only to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>award grants and provide loans in accordance with § 13–740 of this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>pay the costs necessary to administer the Fund, including paying the salary of the Executive Director.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>The Fund is a special, nonlapsing fund that is not subject to reversion under § 7–302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The State Treasurer shall hold the Fund separately, and the Comptroller shall account for the Fund.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The State Treasurer shall invest the money in the Fund in the same manner as other State money may be invested.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Any investment earnings of the Fund shall be credited to the Fund.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-740" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Tri-County Council for Western Maryland"> <level label="a"> <text>A member county or local entity within a member county may submit a proposal for funding under this part.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>To qualify for funding, a project shall be:</text> <level label="1"> <text>a capital infrastructure project that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>is linked to economic development in the region, as approved by the Board; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>receives 20% matching funds from the member county where the project is located, another local entity, a private business, or a combination thereof;</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>a business development project that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>encourages and promotes downtown neighborhood revitalization, small business tourism, or other areas as approved by the Board; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>receives 10% matching funds from the member county where the project is located, another local entity, a private business, or a combination thereof; or</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>any other project that the Board determines is appropriate to promote economic development in the region.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <text>The Board shall develop criteria to review, evaluate, and rate project proposals for funding under this part.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The criteria in subparagraph (i) of this paragraph shall ensure that the project:</text> <level label="1"> <text>except as provided in item 2 of this subparagraph, creates or retains at least 25 jobs;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>creates or retains at least 10 jobs each with wages that exceed 120% of the State minimum wage; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>creates significant population growth in the county or municipality in which the project is located, as certified in writing to the Board by the county commissioners for the member county or the municipal government for the municipality in which the project is located.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>The Board shall choose which projects to award grants and loans to based on the criteria developed in accordance with paragraph (1) of this subsection.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The Board or the Executive Director shall distribute grants and loans to projects based on the decisions made by the Board in accordance with subparagraph (i) of this paragraph.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>The Board or the Executive Director shall monitor and track the progress of each project that receives funding under this part.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the Board determines that sufficient progress is not being made toward achieving the requirements of this section, the Board may reclaim the awarded funds.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The funding provided in this section shall be used to supplement and not supplant any funds that would otherwise be provided to the Board or the member counties.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-741" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Tri-County Council for Western Maryland"> <level label="a"> <text>On or before December 31 each year, the Board shall report to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly on the implementation of this part.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The report required in subsection (a) of this section shall include, disaggregated by member county:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the number of new projects funded during the previous year;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the number of projects that were completed during the previous year;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the number of ongoing projects that were not completed during the previous year;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>the amount and type of funding received by each project;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>the current status of each ongoing project; and</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>any other relevant economic metrics determined by the Board.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-742" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Tri-County Council for Western Maryland"> <text>The Board shall adopt regulations to carry out this part.</text> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-801" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="8" subtitle_name="Tri-County Council for the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Commissioner” means a member of the Board of County Commissioners of Somerset County or Worcester County or a member of the County Council of Wicomico County.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Council” means the Tri-County Council for the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Executive Director” means the Executive Director of the Council.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Region” means Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester counties.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-802" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="8" subtitle_name="Tri-County Council for the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a Tri-County Council for the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The Council is a tax-exempt body politic and corporate.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Council is an independent unit that the Governor may not place in a principal department.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The Council is a cooperative planning and development unit for the region.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The purposes of the Council are to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>foster the physical, economic, and social development of the region; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>use effectively the assistance provided to the region by the State.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Council initiates and coordinates plans and projects for the development of human and economic resources of the region as a planning and development unit for the Lower Eastern Shore.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-803" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="8" subtitle_name="Tri-County Council for the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>The Council consists of the members described in this subsection.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The voting members of the Council are:</text> <level label="i"> <text>from Somerset County, the five commissioners;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>from Wicomico County:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the County Executive; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>four members of the county council, appointed by the county council;</text> </level> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>from Worcester County, five commissioners, appointed by the Board of County Commissioners;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>three municipal elected officials, one from each county, appointed by:</text> <level label="1"> <text>their respective municipal corporations; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the Eastern Shore Municipal Association if the municipal corporations are unable to appoint a member within a reasonable time; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="v"> <text>if the majority of the member’s legislative district is in the region, each member of the General Assembly representing the region.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The nonvoting members of the Council are:</text> <level label="i"> <text>each commissioner in the region who is not appointed under paragraph (2) of this subsection; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>each other member of the General Assembly representing the region if the majority of the member’s legislative district is not in the region.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The bylaws of the Council may provide for additional members who are private individuals.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>A member appointed under subsection (a)(2)(i), (ii), or (iii) of this section may designate another commissioner or a county administrator representing the same county to vote by proxy for the member when the member is absent from a meeting.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A member who designates a proxy shall inform the Executive Director in advance of the meeting.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>A member who qualifies because of the member’s elected position is a member of the Council only during the member’s term of office in the elected position.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>At the end of a term, a member continues to serve until a successor is appointed.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Council membership is not an office of profit.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-804" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="8" subtitle_name="Tri-County Council for the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland"> <text>The Council shall elect a chair from among its members.</text> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-805" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="8" subtitle_name="Tri-County Council for the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland"> <text>A member of the Council is not entitled to compensation as a member of the Council.</text> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-806" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="8" subtitle_name="Tri-County Council for the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland"> <level label="a"> <text>The Council may employ an executive director.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Executive Director serves at the pleasure of the Council.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-807" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="8" subtitle_name="Tri-County Council for the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland"> <text>The Council may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>select and retain its own legal counsel; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>use the Attorney General as its legal counsel.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-808" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="8" subtitle_name="Tri-County Council for the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland"> <level label="a"> <text>The State and Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester counties may jointly finance the Council and its activities.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The State may provide financial support to the Council to assist in carrying out the activities of the Council.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>On or before August 1 of each year, the Council shall submit its proposed work programs and operating budget for the following fiscal year to the Department.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The submission shall include supporting schedules to show how the budget is financed, and to provide for review and recommendations.</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>After review, the Department shall forward the submission and any recommendations to the Department of Budget and Management for consideration.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Governor shall include in the State budget for the following fiscal year an appropriation of at least $200,000 to partially support the Council.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The governing bodies of Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester counties each year shall appropriate to the Council at least $10,000 each to foster cooperative planning and development in the region.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Other political subdivisions, including special districts, may appropriate money for the Council as they consider necessary and appropriate.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Council may accept additional money from any other public or private source.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-809" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="8" subtitle_name="Tri-County Council for the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland"> <text>The Council may adopt bylaws and rules for the conduct of its business and to carry out its mission.</text> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-810" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="8" subtitle_name="Tri-County Council for the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland"> <text>The Council shall cooperate with State and local units that have relevant statutory functions and duties.</text> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-901" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Mid-Shore Regional Council"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Commissioner” means a member of the Board of County Commissioners of Caroline County or a member of the County Council of Dorchester County or Talbot County.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Council” means the Mid-Shore Regional Council.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Executive Director” means the Executive Director of the Council.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Region” means Caroline, Dorchester, and Talbot counties.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-902" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Mid-Shore Regional Council"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a Mid–Shore Regional Council.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The Council is a tax–exempt body politic and corporate.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Council is an independent unit that the Governor may not place in a principal department.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The Council is a cooperative regional planning and development unit for the region.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The purposes of the Council are to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>foster the physical, economic, and social development of the region; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>use effectively the assistance provided to the region by the State.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Council initiates and coordinates plans and projects for the development of human and economic resources of the region as a planning and development unit for the Middle Eastern Shore.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-903" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Mid-Shore Regional Council"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>The Council consists of the members described in this subsection.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The voting members of the Council are:</text> <level label="i"> <text>from Caroline County, two commissioners, appointed by the Board of County Commissioners;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>from Dorchester County, two members of the county council, appointed by the county council;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>from Talbot County, two members of the county council, appointed by the county council;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>three municipal elected officials, one from each county, appointed by:</text> <level label="1"> <text>their respective municipal corporations; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the Eastern Shore Municipal Association if the municipal corporations are unable to appoint a member within a reasonable time; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="v"> <text>if the majority of the member’s legislative district is in the region, each member of the General Assembly representing the region.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The nonvoting members of the Council are:</text> <level label="i"> <text>each commissioner in the region who is not appointed under paragraph (2) of this subsection;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>each other member of the General Assembly representing the region if the majority of the member’s legislative district is not in the region; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>three county administrators, one from each county.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The bylaws of the Council may provide for additional members who are public officials or employees or private individuals.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>A member appointed under subsection (a)(2)(i), (ii), or (iii) of this section may designate another commissioner or a county administrator representing the same county to vote by proxy for the member when the member is absent from a meeting.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A member who designates a proxy shall inform the Executive Director in advance of the meeting.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>A member who qualifies because of the member’s elected or appointed position is a member of the Council only during the member’s term of office in the elected or appointed position.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>At the end of a term, a member continues to serve until a successor is appointed.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Council membership is not an office of profit.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-904" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Mid-Shore Regional Council"> <text>The Council shall elect a chair from among its members.</text> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-905" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Mid-Shore Regional Council"> <text>A member of the Council is not entitled to compensation as a member of the Council.</text> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-906" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Mid-Shore Regional Council"> <level label="a"> <text>The Council may employ an Executive Director.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Executive Director serves at the pleasure of the Council.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-907" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Mid-Shore Regional Council"> <text>The Council may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>select and retain its own counsel; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>use the Attorney General as its legal counsel.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-908" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Mid-Shore Regional Council"> <level label="a"> <text>The State and Caroline, Dorchester, and Talbot counties may jointly finance the Council and its activities.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The State may provide financial support to the Council to assist in carrying out the activities of the Council.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>On or before August 1 of each year, the Council shall submit its proposed work programs and operating budget for the following fiscal year to the Department.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The submission shall include supporting schedules to show how the budget is financed, and to provide for review and recommendations.</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>After review, the Department shall forward the submission and any recommendations to the Department of Budget and Management for consideration.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Governor shall include in the State budget an appropriation for the following fiscal year of at least $200,000 to support the Council.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The governing bodies of Caroline, Dorchester, and Talbot counties each year shall appropriate to the Council at least $10,000 each to foster cooperative planning and development in the region.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Caroline, Dorchester, and Talbot counties may appropriate any other money for the Council as they consider necessary and appropriate.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Other political subdivisions, including special districts, may appropriate money to the Council as they consider necessary and appropriate.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Council may accept additional money from any other public or private source.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-909" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Mid-Shore Regional Council"> <text>The Council may adopt bylaws and rules for the conduct of its business and to carry out its mission.</text> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-910" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Mid-Shore Regional Council"> <text>The Council shall cooperate with State and local units that have relevant statutory functions and duties.</text> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-1001" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="10" subtitle_name="Upper Shore Regional Council"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Commissioner” means a member of the Board of County Commissioners of Cecil County, Kent County, or Queen Anne’s County.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Council” means the Upper Shore Regional Council.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Executive Director” means the Executive Director of the Council.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Region” means Cecil, Kent, and Queen Anne’s counties.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-1002" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="10" subtitle_name="Upper Shore Regional Council"> <level label="a"> <text>There is an Upper Shore Regional Council.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The Council is a tax–exempt body politic and corporate.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Council is an independent unit that the Governor may not place in a principal department.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The Council is a cooperative regional planning and development unit for the region.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The purposes of the Council are to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>foster the physical, economic, and social development of the region; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>use effectively the assistance provided to the region by the State.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Council initiates and coordinates plans and projects for the development of human and economic resources of the region as a planning and development unit for the Upper Eastern Shore.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-1003" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="10" subtitle_name="Upper Shore Regional Council"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>The Council consists of the members described in this subsection.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The voting members of the Council are:</text> <level label="i"> <text>from Cecil County:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the County Executive; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>two members of the County Council, appointed by the County Council;</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>from Kent County, the three commissioners;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>from Queen Anne’s County, three commissioners, appointed by the Board of County Commissioners;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>three municipal elected officials, one from each county, appointed by:</text> <level label="1"> <text>their respective municipal corporations; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the Eastern Shore Municipal Association if the municipal corporations are unable to appoint a member within a reasonable time; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="v"> <text>if the majority of the member’s legislative district is in the region, each member of the General Assembly representing the region.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The nonvoting members of the Council are:</text> <level label="i"> <text>each commissioner in the region who is not appointed under paragraph (2) of this subsection;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>each county council member of the region who is not appointed under paragraph (2) of this subsection;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>each other member of the General Assembly representing the region if the majority of the member’s legislative district is not in the region; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>three county administrators, one from each county.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The bylaws of the Council may provide for additional members who are private individuals.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>A member appointed under subsection (a)(2)(i), (ii), or (iii) of this section may designate another commissioner or a county administrator representing the same county to vote by proxy for the member when the member is absent from a meeting.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A member who designates a proxy shall inform the Executive Director in advance of the meeting.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>A member who qualifies because of the member’s elected or appointed position is a member of the Council only during the member’s term of office in the elected or appointed position.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>At the end of a term, a member continues to serve until a successor is appointed and qualifies.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Council membership is not an office of profit.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-1004" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="10" subtitle_name="Upper Shore Regional Council"> <text>The Council shall elect a chair from among its members.</text> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-1005" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="10" subtitle_name="Upper Shore Regional Council"> <text>A member of the Council is not entitled to compensation as a member of the Council.</text> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-1006" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="10" subtitle_name="Upper Shore Regional Council"> <level label="a"> <text>The Council may employ an Executive Director.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Executive Director serves at the pleasure of the Council.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-1007" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="10" subtitle_name="Upper Shore Regional Council"> <text>The Council may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>select and retain its own legal counsel; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>use the Attorney General as its legal counsel.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-1008" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="10" subtitle_name="Upper Shore Regional Council"> <level label="a"> <text>The State and Cecil, Kent, and Queen Anne’s counties may jointly finance the Council and its activities.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The State may provide financial support to the Council to assist in carrying out the activities of the Council.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>On or before August 1 of each year, the Council shall submit its proposed work programs and operating budget for the following fiscal year to the Department.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The submission shall include supporting schedules to show how the budget is financed, and to provide for review and recommendations.</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>After review, the Department shall forward the submission and any recommendations to the Department of Budget and Management for consideration.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The governing bodies of Cecil, Kent, and Queen Anne’s counties each year shall appropriate to the Council at least $10,000 each to foster cooperative planning and development in the region.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Cecil, Kent, and Queen Anne’s counties may appropriate any other money for the Council as they consider necessary and appropriate.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Other political subdivisions, including special districts, may appropriate money for the Council as they consider necessary and appropriate.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Council may accept additional money from any other public or private source.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-1009" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="10" subtitle_name="Upper Shore Regional Council"> <text>The Council may adopt bylaws and rules for the conduct of its business and to carry out its mission.</text> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-1010" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="10" subtitle_name="Upper Shore Regional Council"> <text>The Council shall cooperate with State and local units that have relevant statutory functions and duties.</text> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-1101" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="11" subtitle_name="Maryland Lower Eastern Shore Tourism Center Advisory Committee"> <text>In this subtitle, “Advisory Committee” means the Maryland Lower Eastern Shore Tourism Center Advisory Committee.</text> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-1102" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="11" subtitle_name="Maryland Lower Eastern Shore Tourism Center Advisory Committee"> <text>There is a Maryland Lower Eastern Shore Tourism Center Advisory Committee.</text> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-1103" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="11" subtitle_name="Maryland Lower Eastern Shore Tourism Center Advisory Committee"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>The Advisory Committee consists of nine members.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Of the nine members:</text> <level label="i"> <text>three shall be from Somerset County;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>three shall be from Wicomico County; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>three shall be from Worcester County.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The governing body of each county shall appoint the members from that county.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Each member of the Advisory Committee shall be a member of the general public and reside in the county from which the member is appointed.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The term of a member is 5 years.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The terms of members are staggered as required by the terms provided for members of the Advisory Committee on October 1, 2008.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>At the end of a term, a member continues to serve until a successor is appointed and qualifies.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>A member who is appointed after a term has begun serves only for the rest of the term and until a successor is appointed and qualifies.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The governing body that appointed a member may remove the member for incompetence or misconduct.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-1104" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="11" subtitle_name="Maryland Lower Eastern Shore Tourism Center Advisory Committee"> <text>The Advisory Committee shall advise and counsel the Department on the development and operation of the Maryland Lower Eastern Shore Tourism Center.</text> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-1201" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="12" subtitle_name="Regional Advanced Manufacturing Partnership of Maryland"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Board” means the Executive Board of the Partnership.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Executive Director” means the Executive Director of the Partnership.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Fund” means the Regional Advanced Manufacturing Partnership of Maryland Fund, also known as the RAMP MD Fund.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Partnership” means the Regional Advanced Manufacturing Partnership of Maryland, also known as RAMP MD.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>“Region” means Cecil and Harford counties.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-1202" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="12" subtitle_name="Regional Advanced Manufacturing Partnership of Maryland"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a Regional Advanced Manufacturing Partnership of Maryland.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The Partnership is a tax–exempt body politic and corporate.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Partnership is an independent unit that the Governor may not place in a principal department of State government.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The purposes of the Partnership are to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>foster the economic development of the region by:</text> <level label="i"> <text>promoting collaboration among government, businesses, educational institutions, and entrepreneurs and innovators; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>leveraging the established advanced manufacturing investments in the region, including the facilities at Aberdeen Proving Ground; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>position the State as a leader in advanced manufacturing.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-1203" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="12" subtitle_name="Regional Advanced Manufacturing Partnership of Maryland"> <level label="a"> <text>An Executive Board shall manage the Partnership and exercise its corporate powers.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The Board consists of the members described in this subsection.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The voting members of the Board are:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the Secretary of Commerce, or the Secretary’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the President of Harford Community College, or the President’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>the President of Cecil College, or the President’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>the President of Towson University, or the President’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>one representative of the Governor’s Workforce Development Board, appointed by the Executive Director of the Board;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>the Commanding General of Aberdeen Proving Ground, or the Commanding General’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>the Director of the Regional Manufacturing Institute, or the Director’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="viii"> <text>the Superintendent of the Harford County Public Schools, or the Superintendent’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="ix"> <text>the Superintendent of the Cecil County Public Schools, or the Superintendent’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="x"> <text>the County Executive of Cecil County, or the County Executive’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="xi"> <text>the County Executive of Harford County, or the County Executive’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="xii"> <text>one representative of the Susquehanna Workforce Network, appointed by the Executive Director of the network;</text> </level> <level label="xiii"> <text>one representative of the Army Alliance, appointed by the Executive Director of the alliance;</text> </level> <level label="xiv"> <text>one representative of the Northeastern Maryland Technology Council, appointed by the Executive Director of the council;</text> </level> <level label="xv"> <text>the Director of the Cecil County Public Library, or the Director’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="xvi"> <text>the Director of the Harford County Public Library, or the Director’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="xvii"> <text>one representative of the Maryland Manufacturing Advisory Board, appointed by the Chair of the Board;</text> </level> <level label="xviii"> <text>at least six representatives of industry who reflect the influential and emerging industries using advanced manufacturing as determined by the Department, appointed by the Secretary of Commerce; and</text> </level> <level label="xix"> <text>at least one representative of each organization focused on advanced manufacturing in the State that is interested in collaborating with the Partnership, appointed by the Director of the representative’s respective organization.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>In addition to the voting members, the Executive Director of the Partnership shall serve as an ex officio nonvoting member of the Board.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>To the extent practicable, the members of the Board shall reasonably reflect the geographic, racial, ethnic, cultural, and gender diversity of the State.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The term of an appointed member is 4 years.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>At the end of a term, an appointed member continues to serve until a successor is appointed and qualifies.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A member appointed to fill a vacancy in an unexpired term serves only for the remainder of the term and until a successor is appointed and qualifies.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Board shall elect a chair from among its members.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>A member of the Board:</text> <level label="1"> <text>may not receive compensation as a member of the Board; but</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>Beginning on or before August 1, 2014, and continuing until July 1, 2015, the Board shall hold at least one regular meeting each month.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>After July 1, 2015, the Board shall hold meetings quarterly or more often if necessary to implement the purposes of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <level label="1"> <text>The Board may establish committees to conduct its work.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The membership of a committee may include individuals who are not members of the Board, including representatives of design, manufacturing, and other related businesses.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-1204" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="12" subtitle_name="Regional Advanced Manufacturing Partnership of Maryland"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>The Board shall appoint an Executive Director.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Executive Director serves at the pleasure of the Board.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Board shall determine the salary of the Executive Director.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The Executive Director is the chief administrative officer of the Partnership.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Executive Director shall manage the administrative affairs and technical activities of the Partnership in accordance with the policies and procedures that the Board establishes.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-1205" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="12" subtitle_name="Regional Advanced Manufacturing Partnership of Maryland"> <level label="a"> <text>The Department, the Cecil County Office of Economic Development, and the Harford County Office of Economic Development jointly shall provide staff, office space, and operational support for the Partnership.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Partnership may:</text> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <text>select and retain its own legal counsel; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>use the Attorney General as its legal counsel;</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>employ, as regular employees or as independent contractors, additional staff that the Partnership considers necessary; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>retain any professional consultants that the Partnership considers necessary.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-1206" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="12" subtitle_name="Regional Advanced Manufacturing Partnership of Maryland"> <text>The Partnership may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>adopt a seal;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>sue or be sued;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>adopt bylaws and rules for the conduct of its business;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>enter into contracts and other legal instruments;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>accept grants, contributions, or other assistance of any kind from the federal government, the State, a local government, a college or university, or other public or private source;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>include in any contract for financial assistance with the federal government any reasonable and appropriate condition imposed under federal law that is not inconsistent with the purposes of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>make grants from the Fund to further the purposes of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>create, own, control, or be a member of a corporation, limited liability company, partnership, or any other entity; and</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>do all things necessary or convenient to carry out the purposes of this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-1207" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="12" subtitle_name="Regional Advanced Manufacturing Partnership of Maryland"> <text>To further the purposes of this subtitle, the Partnership shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>foster collaborative efforts, including public–private partnerships and memoranda of understanding, among government agencies, military installations, educational institutions, businesses, nonprofit organizations, individuals, and other entities in the region to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>share resources, including existing manufacturing infrastructure;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>cooperate in the development of new products and processes; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>bridge gaps between research, product development, and the commercial application of new technologies and manufacturing processes;</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>facilitate the involvement of Harford Community College, Cecil College, Towson University, and other segments of the higher education community in developing and sustaining a skilled advanced manufacturing workforce through degree, certification, specialized training, and continuing education programs;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>assist the Cecil County and Harford County public school systems in preparing students for employment in the advanced manufacturing workforce;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>support manufacturing businesses in retaining and expanding production and jobs;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>obtain, coordinate, and disseminate marketing resources to promote and enhance advanced manufacturing opportunities and investment in the region;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>support priority access to workforce training funds and enterprise investment tax credits for entities that are investing resources and creating jobs in the region;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>pursue federal, State, local, and other public and private funding and collaboration initiatives; and</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>perform any other function consistent with the purposes of this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-1208" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="12" subtitle_name="Regional Advanced Manufacturing Partnership of Maryland"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the Partnership is exempt from Title 10 and Division II of the State Finance and Procurement Article.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Partnership, its Board, and its employees are subject to Title 12, Subtitle 4 and Title 14, Subtitle 3 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The officers and employees of the Partnership are not subject to the provisions of Division I of the State Personnel and Pensions Article that govern the State Personnel Management System.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Partnership is subject to the Public Information Act.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Board and the officers and employees of the Partnership are subject to the Public Ethics Law.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-1209" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="12" subtitle_name="Regional Advanced Manufacturing Partnership of Maryland"> <level label="a"> <text>The State and Cecil and Harford counties jointly may finance the Partnership and its activities.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The State may provide financial support to the Partnership to assist in carrying out the activities of the Partnership.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>On or before August 1 of each year, the Partnership shall submit its proposed work programs and operating budget for the following fiscal year to the Department.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The submission shall include:</text> <level label="1"> <text>supporting schedules to show how the budget is financed and to provide for review and recommendations; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>a specific request to the Department for financial support in the following fiscal year.</text> </level> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>After review, the Department shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>consider including the request for financial support under subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph in its annual budget recommendations; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>forward the submission and any recommendations to the Department of Budget and Management for consideration.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="i"> <text>In accordance with subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, for fiscal year 2016 and each fiscal year thereafter, the Governor may include in the State budget an appropriation to partially support the Partnership.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <level label="1"> <text>Any appropriation in a fiscal year under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph shall be contingent on the commitment of Cecil and Harford counties to contribute funds to the Partnership during the same fiscal year.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In determining the amount of an appropriation in a fiscal year, it is the intent of the General Assembly that the appropriation shall equal at least two times the total amount committed to be contributed by Cecil and Harford counties in the same fiscal year.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The governing bodies of Cecil and Harford counties each year may appropriate funds to the Partnership to promote the purposes of the Partnership.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An appropriation under paragraph (1) of this subsection may be a designated portion of the budget of the county Office of Economic Development.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Partnership may accept additional money from any other public or private source.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-1210" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="12" subtitle_name="Regional Advanced Manufacturing Partnership of Maryland"> <text>The Partnership shall cooperate with State and local units that have relevant statutory functions and duties.</text> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-1211" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="12" subtitle_name="Regional Advanced Manufacturing Partnership of Maryland"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a Regional Advanced Manufacturing Partnership of Maryland Fund.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The purpose of the Fund is to implement this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Partnership shall administer the Fund.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>The Fund is a special, nonlapsing fund that is not subject to § 7–302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The State Treasurer shall hold the Fund separately, and the Comptroller shall account for the Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The Fund consists of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>money appropriated in the State budget to the Fund;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>money appropriated by Cecil and Harford counties to the Partnership;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>money made available to the Fund through federal programs;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>interest and investment earnings of the Fund; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>any other money from any other source accepted for the benefit of the Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>The Fund may be used only to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>provide grants for projects that further the purposes of this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>pay the administrative and operational expenses of the Partnership.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <level label="1"> <text>The State Treasurer shall invest the money of the Fund in the same manner as other State money may be invested.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any investment earnings of the Fund shall be paid into the Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <text>Money provided to the Fund that is not awarded by the end of the fiscal year shall remain in the Fund.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gec" article_name="Economic Development" number="13-1212" title_number="13" title_name="Regional Development Resources" subtitle_number="12" subtitle_name="Regional Advanced Manufacturing Partnership of Maryland"> <text>The Partnership shall submit to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly:</text> <level label="1"> <text>on or before December 1, 2014, an update on the activities of the Partnership in implementing the provisions of this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>on or before December 1, 2015, and each year thereafter, a complete operating and financial statement covering the Partnership’s operations and a summary of the Partnership’s activities during the preceding fiscal year.</text> </level> </section>