# Local Government (GLG)

## Title 25. Public Watershed Associations

### Subtitle 10. Miscellaneous

#### Section 25-1001

(a) A person who is assessed for a ditch or drain that does not pass through or under the person's land may open a ditch or install drain tile through the intervening land to connect to the main ditch and keep the ditch or drain tile open at the person's expense and control.

(b) A person may not open a ditch or install drain tile under this section through the land of another person without the consent of the owner of the land.

#### Section 25-1002

(a) If a watershed project established under this title crosses a public highway at the intersection of the highway with a natural watercourse or depression through which water flows during periods of high water, the county in which the bridge is located or the governmental unit required by law to maintain the highway that is intersected shall:

  (1) pay the cost of an existing bridge, repairing or enlarging an existing bridge and culvert, or constructing a new bridge or culvert; and

  (2) maintain the bridge or culvert described in item (1) of this subsection.

(b) If a watershed project established under this title crosses a public highway at a point where the highway does not intersect a natural watercourse or depression:

  (1) the watershed association shall pay the cost of constructing a new bridge or culvert; and

  (2) after construction, the county or other governmental unit required by law to maintain the highway that is intersected shall maintain the bridge and any culvert constructed.

#### Section 25-1003

(a) If a channel established under this title crosses a railroad right-of-way at the intersection of the right-of-way with a natural watercourse or depression through which water flows at periods of high water, the railroad company shall:

  (1) construct, build, and maintain any necessary new bridge or culvert; or

  (2) enlarge, strengthen, reconstruct, or replace any existing bridge or culvert.

(b) The expense to build a railroad under subsection (a) of this section shall be:

  (1) considered an element of damage to the railroad company by the board of viewers; and

  (2) shown as a damage in the report of the board of viewers.

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Md. Code Ann., Local Gov't (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)