# Local Government (GLG)

## Title 27. Drainage Districts

### Subtitle 1. Definitions; General Provisions

#### Section 27-101

(a) In this title the following words have the meanings indicated.

(b) "Board of drainage commissioners" means the board of drainage commissioners of a drainage district.

(c) "Board of viewers" means the board of viewers of a drainage district established under this title.

(d) "Designated officer" means:

  (1) the clerk of the county commissioners for a code county or commission county if there is a clerk for the county; or

  (2) an employee or official of a county who is designated by the county commissioners or county council to perform the responsibilities of the designated officer under this title.

(e) "Drainage district" means a drainage district established under this title.

(f) "Landowner" means a person who owns land located in a drainage district or proposed drainage district.

#### Section 27-102

This title does not apply to Baltimore City.

#### Section 27-103

This title shall be liberally construed to promote the ditching, draining, leveeing, and reclaiming of wet and overflowed land that can be made available for agriculture.

#### Section 27-104

In response to a petition filed under Sec. 27-201 of this title, the county commissioners or a county council of a county may establish a drainage district to:

(1) locate and establish a levee, drain, or canal;

(2) construct, straighten, widen, or deepen a ditch, drain, or watercourse; and

(3) construct levees, embankments, tidewater gates, and pumping plants to drain and reclaim wet, swamp, or overflowed land.

#### Section 27-105

The drainage of swamps, the drainage of the surface water from agricultural land, and the reclamation of tidal marshes benefit the public and promote public health, safety, and welfare.

### Subtitle 2. Petition to Establish Drainage District

#### Section 27-201

A petition to establish a drainage district shall be filed with the designated officer where all or a part of the land is located.

#### Section 27-202

(a) A petition shall:

  (1) state that a specific area of land is subject to overflow or is too wet for cultivation;

  (2) describe the area's location;

  (3) describe how draining, ditching, or leveeing the area, changing the natural watercourse, or other drainage projects benefit the public or promote the public health, safety, or welfare; and

  (4) specify, to the extent practicable, the starting point, route, and terminus and any lateral branches of the proposed drainage project.

(b) A petition is valid only if signed by the majority of the resident landowners in the proposed drainage district or the owners of three-fifths of the land that will be affected by or assessed to finance the proposed drainage project.

#### Section 27-203

(a) A bond shall be filed with a petition.

(b) The bond shall be:

  (1) in the amount of $50 per mile of ditch or other proposed drainage project;

  (2) signed by two or more individual sureties or a licensed surety company;

  (3) approved by the county commissioners or county council; and

  (4) conditioned on payment of all costs and expenses of the proceedings if the county commissioners or county council do not grant the petition.

#### Section 27-204

(a) Each landowner who has not signed the petition is a respondent.

(b)

  (1) The designated officer shall issue a summons to be served on each respondent.

  (2) A summons may be served by publication as to any respondent who cannot be served as provided by law.

(c)

  (1) If a mortgage is held on land in the proposed drainage district, notice of the proceedings shall be given to the holder of the mortgage in the same manner as to a respondent.

  (2) A mortgage holder may appear before the county commissioners or county council in person or by counsel.

#### Section 27-205

If the land described in the petition is located in two or more counties, the county commissioners or county council of an affected county may exercise the jurisdiction conferred in this title, but the venue shall lie in the county in which the petition is filed.

### Subtitle 3. Board of Viewers

#### Section 27-301

(a) The county commissioners or county council shall appoint a board of viewers to:

  (1) examine the land described in the petition; and

  (2) issue a preliminary report on the land.

(b)

  (1) The board of viewers shall consist of:

    (i) a civil and drainage engineer; and

    (ii) two resident landowners of the county where the land is located.

  (2)

    (i) The civil and drainage engineer shall be an individual recommended by the State drainage engineer.

    (ii) If there is no State drainage engineer, the civil and drainage engineer shall be an individual recommended by the State roads engineer.

#### Section 27-302

(a) The board of viewers:

  (1) shall make a careful and thorough examination of the land described in the petition and of other land if necessary, to locate properly any improvement that is petitioned for, along the route described in the petition or any other route that is more practicable or feasible;

  (2) shall ensure that the land of any person who is seeking to be included in the drainage district has been included in the drainage district; and

  (3) may conduct surveys to:

    (i) determine the boundaries and elevations of the parts of the district; and

    (ii) enable the board of viewers to form a tentative plan for development.

(b)

  (1) The board of viewers shall make and return to the designated officer a written report that states whether:

    (i) the proposed drainage is practicable;

    (ii) the proposed drainage will benefit the public health or any public highway or be conducive to the general welfare of the community;

    (iii) the proposed drainage project will benefit the land in question sufficiently to warrant the probable expenditure; and

    (iv) all the land that will be benefited is included in the proposed drainage district.

  (2) The report shall be available for inspection in an office of the designated officer within 30 days after the date on which the designated officer receives the report, unless the county commissioners or county council extend the time period for providing the report.

(c) The report shall include a map of the proposed drainage district that:

  (1) shows the location of the ditch or other improvement to be constructed with an estimate of the cost of the improvement;

  (2) shows the land that will be affected by the improvement, including the name of each landowner, if the name of the landowner can be obtained; and

  (3) provides any other information collected by the board of viewers that supports the board's findings.

#### Section 27-303

(a)

  (1) The county commissioners or county council shall review the report required under Sec. 27-302 of this subtitle at its first meeting after receiving the report.

  (2) The board of viewers shall be present at the meeting.

(b) The county commissioners or county council shall dismiss a petition filed under Sec. 27-201 of this title at the cost of the petitioners if:

  (1) the board of viewers finds that the drainage:

    (i) is not practicable;

    (ii) will not benefit the public health or any public highway; or

    (iii) does not promote the general welfare of the community; and

  (2) the county commissioners or county council approve the finding.

(c) If the finding of the board of viewers is favorable to the drainage project and the county commissioners or county council support the finding after hearing all of the evidence, the county commissioners or county council shall:

  (1) make any necessary recommendations to the board of viewers;

  (2) direct the board of viewers to make a complete survey, plans and specifications, and an estimate of cost for any tile, drain, levee, or other improvement; and

  (3) specify a time when the board of viewers shall file a final report, not to exceed 60 days, unless extended by the county commissioners or county council in writing.

#### Section 27-304

(a) The board of viewers may employ assistants to make a complete survey of the drainage district.

(b)

  (1) The board of viewers shall:

    (i) enter the land subject to the petition;

    (ii) survey the main drain and any lateral drain;

    (iii) mark on the ground the line of each ditch, drain, or levee;

    (iv) note the course and distance of each ditch so that each ditch can be accurately platted and mapped;

    (v) run a line of levels for the entire work and secure sufficient data from which accurate profiles and plans can be made for each proposed drain or levee;

    (vi) establish frequent bench marks along the line on permanent objects and record the elevation and provide a full description of the bench marks in the field books, including the location of the bench marks on a map;

    (vii) run other levels to determine the fall from one part of the drainage district to another, if the board of viewers finds it expedient; and

    (viii) if a watercourse, ditch, or channel is being widened, deepened, or straightened, cross-section the watercourse, ditch, or channel to compute the cubic yards of excavation or fill saved by using the watercourse, ditch, or channel.

  (2)

    (i) After completing the survey, the board of viewers shall complete a drainage map of the district showing:

      (1) the location of the ditch and other improvements;

      (2) the boundary, as closely as may be determined by the records, of the land owned by any individual landowner; and

      (3) the location of any railroad or public highway and the boundary of any municipality.

    (ii) In addition to the map, the board of viewers shall prepare a profile of each levee, drain, or watercourse showing:

      (1) the surface of the ground;

      (2) the bottom or grade of the proposed improvement and the number of cubic yards of excavation or fill in each mile or fraction of a mile;

      (3) the total yards in the proposed improvement and the number of cubic yards of excavation or fill in each mile or fraction of a mile;

      (4) the total yards in the proposed improvement and the estimated cost of the improvement; and

      (5) plans and specifications and the cost of any other necessary work.

#### Section 27-305

(a) The board of viewers shall assess the damages claimed by any person that is entitled to damages for land taken or for inconvenience caused by the construction of the improvement and the establishment of the drainage district or for any other legal damages sustained.

(b) The damages assessed under this section shall be:

  (1) considered apart from any benefit the land would receive because of the proposed improvement; and

  (2) paid by the board of drainage commissioners when funds are available as provided in Sec. 27-502 of this title.

#### Section 27-306

(a)

  (1) The board of viewers shall examine the land in the drainage district and classify the land with reference to the benefit that the land will receive from the construction of the levee, ditch, drain, watercourse, or other improvement.

  (2) If drainage is proposed, the board of viewers shall consider the degree of wetness of the land, the proximity of the land to the ditch or a natural outlet, and the fertility of the soil in determining the amount of benefit that the land will receive by the construction of the ditch.

(b) The land benefited shall be separated into five classes in the following manner:

  (1) the land receiving the highest benefit shall be marked "Class A";

  (2) the land receiving the second highest benefit shall be marked "Class B";

  (3) the land receiving the third highest benefit shall be marked "Class C";

  (4) the land receiving the fourth highest benefit shall be marked "Class D"; and

  (5) the land receiving the smallest benefit shall be marked "Class E".

(c)

  (1) The board of viewers shall determine:

    (i) the number of acres in the drainage district in each class listed in subsection (b) of this section;

    (ii) the total number of acres owned by one person in each class; and

    (iii) the total number of acres benefited.

  (2) The holdings of an individual landowner need not be all in one class.

  (3) The board of viewers need not mark the boundary on the ground or show on a map the number of acres in each class.

(d) The board of viewers shall determine the total number of acres of each class listed in subsection (b) of this section in the entire drainage district and present the information in tabulated form.

(e) The scale of assessment on the classes of land determined by the board of viewers shall be in the ratio of five, four, three, two, and one in accordance with the following example, if five mills per acre is assessed against the land in "Class A":

  (1) four mills per acre shall be assessed against the land in "Class B";

  (2) three mills per acre shall be assessed against the land in "Class C";

  (3) two mills per acre shall be assessed against the land in "Class D"; and

  (4) one mill per acre shall be assessed against the land in "Class E".

(f)

  (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the scale of assessment shall form the basis of:

    (i) the assessment of benefits to the land for drainage purposes; and

    (ii) any future assessment, tax, or cost connected with the drainage district.

  (2) The scale of assessment may be modified by order of the county commissioners or county council at the final hearing or a court.

#### Section 27-307

The board of viewers shall report to the county commissioners or county council:

(1) the name of any person employed to conduct the survey required under Sec. 27-302 of this subtitle;

(2) the number of days the person was employed on the survey;

(3) a description of the work performed by the person;

(4) any expenses incurred by the person in traveling to and from the work; and

(5) the cost of any supplies or material used in conducting the survey.

#### Section 27-308

(a) When the final report is complete:

  (1) the board of viewers shall file the report with the county commissioners or county council; and

  (2) the county commissioners or county council shall examine the report.

(b) If the county commissioners or the county council finds that the report is not in the correct form, the county commissioners or county council may return the report to the board of viewers with instructions to provide further information to be reported at a date set by the county commissioners or county council.

(c) If the county commissioners or the county council finds that the report is in correct form and in accordance with the law, the county commissioners or county council shall:

  (1) accept the report; and

  (2) set a date for a final hearing on the report that is at least 30 days after the report is accepted by the county commissioners or county council.

(d) For at least 2 weeks before the final hearing on the report, a notice of the final hearing shall be provided:

  (1) by publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the county; and

  (2) by posting a written notice on the door of the courthouse and at five conspicuous places throughout the drainage district.

(e) During the 2-week period in subsection (d) of this section, a copy of the report shall be:

  (1) kept on file in the office of the designated officer; and

  (2) open to inspection by any landowner or interested person in the drainage district.

#### Section 27-309

(a) The designated officer shall summon or cause to be summoned any respondent that is known to the designated officer or to the board of viewers.

(b)

  (1) If the designated officer finds by affidavit or otherwise that a landowner whose name is unknown cannot after due diligence be determined by the petitioners, the designated officer shall summon the unknown landowner by publishing the petition or the substance of the petition in a newspaper of general circulation in the county where the land is located.

  (2) The summons shall:

    (i) describe the land as to which the owner is unknown;

    (ii) include the order of the county commissioners or county council;

    (iii) include the date of the final hearing that will be held before the county commissioners or the county council establishes the drainage district; and

    (iv) be published for 4 successive weeks before the date of the final hearing.

#### Section 27-310

(a) Any landowner may appear at the hearing in person or by counsel and object in writing to the report of the board of viewers.

(b) The county commissioners or county council shall:

  (1) review the report of the board of viewers and any objection filed to the report; and

  (2) make any change that is necessary to treat each landowner in the drainage district equitably.

(c)

  (1) If the county commissioners or the county council finds that the cost of construction and the amount of damages assessed do not exceed the benefit that will accrue to the affected land, the county commissioners or county council shall confirm the report of the board of viewers and declare the drainage district to be established.

  (2) If the county commissioners or the county council finds that the cost of construction and the amount of damages assessed exceed the benefit that will accrue to the affected land, the county commissioners or county council shall dismiss the proceedings at the cost of the petitioners, and any surety on the bond filed by the petitioners shall be liable for the costs.

### Subtitle 4. Board of Drainage Commissioners

#### Section 27-401

(a) After the county commissioners or county council establish a drainage district, the county commissioners or county council shall appoint three landowners to be the board of drainage commissioners, subject to the written approval of a majority of landowners.

(b) A vacancy that occurs on the board of drainage commissioners shall be filled in the same manner that initial appointments are made.

#### Section 27-402

(a) The board of drainage commissioners shall organize as a corporation named "The Board of Drainage Commissioners of ..... District".

(b) A board of drainage commissioners may:

  (1) exercise corporate powers;

  (2) hold and convey property; and

  (3) sue and be sued.

(c) A board of drainage commissioners shall adopt a seal.

#### Section 27-403

(a) The board of drainage commissioners shall elect a chair and a vice chair from among its members.

(b) The board of drainage commissioners shall elect a secretary from among its members or from outside its membership.

(c) The tax collector of the county where the petition was filed shall be an ex officio member of the board of drainage commissioners.

#### Section 27-404

(a) The board of drainage commissioners shall appoint a competent superintendent of construction.

(b) The board of drainage commissioners shall determine the compensation of the superintendent of construction.

(c)

  (1) The superintendent of construction shall post a bond with the board of drainage commissioners, conditioned on honest and faithful performance.

  (2) The board of drainage commissioners shall determine the amount of the bond and approve the bond.

(d) The board of drainage commissioners may terminate the contract of the superintendent of construction whenever the board of drainage commissioners considers the services of the superintendent of construction to be no longer necessary.

#### Section 27-405

(a)

  (1) The designated officer shall maintain a drainage record in which the designated officer shall record each petition, motion, order, report, judgment, and finding of the county commissioners or county council in each drainage transaction that comes before the county commissioners or county council as to make a complete and continuous record.

  (2) Copies of all maps and profiles shall be:

    (i) furnished by the engineer;

    (ii) marked "official copies" by the designated officer;

    (iii) kept on file in the designated officer's office; and

    (iv) open to public inspection.

(b)

  (1) The board of drainage commissioners shall submit to the clerk of the appropriate circuit court an easement record listing each easement for maintenance and rights-of-way that the drainage district has on any land in the county.

  (2) The clerk shall make the easement record available for public inspection.

### Subtitle 5. Rights-of-Way and Condemnation

#### Section 27-501

A drainage district may acquire a right-of-way across land that is not affected by the drainage project but is located in the drainage district to construct a ditch or canal or for any other necessary purpose authorized by law.

#### Section 27-502

(a) The board of drainage commissioners has the power of eminent domain and may begin condemnation proceedings under Title 12 of the Real Property Article if:

  (1) it is necessary to acquire a right-of-way through land not affected by the drainage; and

  (2) the land cannot be acquired by purchase.

(b) The board of drainage commissioners shall award damages out of the first funds available from bond proceeds or otherwise.

### Subtitle 6. Implementation of Plan

#### Section 27-601

(a) The board of drainage commissioners:

  (1) shall advertise for bids to construct the drainage project;

  (2) shall award the contract for the drainage project to the lowest responsible bidder; and

  (3) may reject any or all bids and readvertise for other bids.

(b) The board of drainage commissioners shall set:

  (1) the terms for payment with the contractor; and

  (2) the amount of the contractor's bond, which shall be given in favor of the board of drainage commissioners.

#### Section 27-602

The board of drainage commissioners shall control, supervise, and maintain each drainage project completed under this title.

#### Section 27-603

(a)

  (1) The engineers who are appointed to the board of viewers shall receive compensation per diem, as agreed on by the county commissioners or county council.

  (2) The individuals, other than the engineers, who are appointed to the board of viewers shall receive $3 per day.

  (3) The rodmen, axmen, chainmen, and other laborers employed by a drainage district shall receive compensation not to exceed $2 per day each.

(b) The board of drainage commissioners may not receive a per diem but shall be reimbursed for expenses incurred when engaged in the work of the drainage district.

(c) All other fees and costs incurred under this title are the same as provided by law for similar services.

### Subtitle 7. Financing

#### Section 27-701

(a) The board of drainage commissioners shall ascertain the total cost of the drainage project, including the payment of damages awarded to the landowners, after:

  (1) the classification of lands and the ratio of assessment of the different classes of lands has been confirmed by the county commissioners or county council at the time of the final hearing; and

  (2) any appeal made to the circuit court has been adjudicated.

(b) The total cost of the drainage project may include:

  (1) all costs and incidental expenses;

  (2) the compensation of members of the board of viewers and assistants and the superintendent of construction;

  (3) the expenses of the board of drainage commissioners;

  (4) the necessary expenses of maintaining the drainage project for a period of 3 years after the completion of the construction work; and

  (5) the payment of interest on drainage bonds for a period of 3 years.

(c)

  (1) The board of drainage commissioners, under the direction of the chair and secretary of the board, shall certify to the designated officer the total estimated cost of the drainage project.

  (2) The certification shall be recorded in the drainage record and open to inspection by any landowner.

(d) If the total estimated cost of the proposed drainage project constructed under this title is less than an average of 25 cents per acre of the total area, the board of drainage commissioners may issue bonds and shall collect the assessment from the landowners.

#### Section 27-702

(a) A drainage district may include land that may not be affected by the completed drainage project.

(b) Any land that will not be affected by the completed drainage project may not be assessed any drainage assessment.

#### Section 27-703

(a) When the board of drainage commissioners has estimated the total cost of the drainage project as provided under Sec. 27-701 of this subtitle, the board shall immediately prepare 10 assessment lists to cover the period of the bond issue, providing:

  (1) the names of the landowners in the drainage district as determined from the public records;

  (2) a brief description of the tracts of land assessed; and

  (3) the amount of the assessment against each tract of land.

(b)

  (1) The assessment lists shall provide assessments sufficient for:

    (i) the payment of principal and interest on the bond issue; and

    (ii) the amounts that have to be paid for collection and handling of the assessments.

  (2) The assessment list shall provide assessments for each year of the bond issue beginning with the third year and ending with the 12th year.

(c)

  (1) Each assessment list shall:

    (i) specify the time when the assessment is collectible; and

    (ii) be numbered in order.

  (2) The amount assessed against each tract of land shall be based on the benefit received, as shown by the classification and ratio of assessments made by the board of viewers.

(d) The assessment lists shall be signed by the chair and secretary of the board of drainage commissioners.

(e) After the designated officer has attached an order to each assessment list directing the collection of the assessments, one copy of each assessment list shall be:

  (1) filed with the drainage record; and

  (2) delivered to the county tax collector.

(f) After the assessment list is filed and delivered, the assessments constitute a lien, second only to State and county real property taxes, on the land assessed for the payment of bonds and the interest on the bonds as the payment becomes due.

(g) The assessments shall be due and payable annually on the first Monday in January.

(h) Each assessment shall be collected in the same manner and by the same officer as State and county real property taxes.

(i)

  (1) If the assessments are not paid in full on or before April 30 following the due date, the county tax collector shall sell the delinquent land.

  (2) The sale of land shall be between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. at the courthouse door of the county in which the land is located.

#### Section 27-704

If the board of viewers, when making the examination and surveys of the drainage project, finds that the drainage project will benefit a railroad, public highway, or other public property, the board of viewers shall assess the railroad, State, or county for the benefits derived from the drainage district.

#### Section 27-705

(a)

  (1) The board of drainage commissioners shall give notice of a proposal to issue bonds by:

    (i) publication for 3 weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the county where any part of the drainage district is located;

    (ii) posting a notice at the door of the courthouse in the county where any part of the drainage district is located; and

    (iii) posting a notice at five conspicuous places in the vicinity of the drainage district.

  (2) The notice shall include:

    (i) the proposal to issue bonds to pay for the total cost of the drainage project;

    (ii) the amount of bonds to be issued;

    (iii) the interest rate for the bonds; and

    (iv) the date when the bonds are payable.

(b)

  (1) A landowner that does not want to pay interest on the bonds may pay to the county tax collector, within 15 days after the publication of the notice in subsection (a) of this section, the full amount due for the landowner, as provided in the classification sheet and the certificate of the board of drainage commissioners showing the total cost of the drainage project.

  (2) If the landowner pays the full amount, the landowner is relieved from liability for the drainage project.

  (3) The landowner shall continue to be liable for any future assessment for maintenance or for any increased assessment authorized under law.

(c)

  (1) At the expiration of the 3 weeks after the publication of the notice in subsection (a) of this section, the board of drainage commissioners may issue bonds of the drainage district in an amount equal to the total cost of the drainage project less any amount that has been paid to the county tax collector, including an amount sufficient to pay interest on the bond issue for the 3 years after the date of issue.

  (2) All bonds issued under this section:

    (i) shall bear interest;

    (ii) shall be payable semiannually;

    (iii) shall be paid in 10 equal installments, with the first installment of principal maturing 3 years after the issue, and one installment for each succeeding year for 9 additional years;

    (iv) shall be numbered by the board of drainage commissioners;

    (v) shall be recorded in the drainage record; and

    (vi) may not be sold for a price less than par.

  (3) The board of drainage commissioners shall use the proceeds of the bonds to pay:

    (i) for the work as it progresses;

    (ii) the interest on the bonds issued for the 3 years after the date of issue; and

    (iii) the other expenses of the drainage district provided under this title.

(d)

  (1) The proceeds from the sale of bonds under this section shall be for the exclusive use of the drainage district specified on the bonds.

  (2) The drainage record shall list the land in the drainage district on which the assessment has not been paid in full.

(e)

  (1) If an installment of principal or interest on the bonds is not paid at the time and in the manner due and the default continues for 6 months, the holder of the bond in default has a right of action against the drainage district or the board of drainage commissioners.

  (2) If an action is brought, the court may issue a writ of mandamus against the drainage district and its officers, including the county tax collector, that directs the imposition of a special assessment against landowners in default in an amount necessary to meet unpaid installments of principal and interest and the costs of the action.

  (3) The holder of any bond in default may:

    (i) pursue any other remedy authorized by law; and

    (ii) bring suit against any officer on the official bond of the officer for failing to perform a duty required under this title.

#### Section 27-706

(a)

  (1) The board of drainage commissioners may impose an assessment on the landowner benefited by the construction of the drainage project to maintain the drainage project.

  (2) The assessment under this section shall be imposed in the same manner and in the same proportion as the original assessment under this subtitle, in an amount not to exceed 25% of the original assessment.

  (3) The board of drainage commissioners shall use the money that is collected to repair and maintain the drainage project.

(b)

  (1) The board of drainage commissioners shall impose the cost of any repairs on a landowner if the repair is necessary because of:

    (i) an act or negligence of the landowner or an agent or employee of the landowner; or

    (ii) the cattle, hogs, or other livestock of the landowner or of an agent or employee of the landowner.

  (2) The cost of repairs as provided under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be collected by suit instituted by the board of drainage commissioners.

#### Section 27-707

(a) A drainage district may use any loan or other assistance from the federal government for drainage or reclamation work.

(b)

  (1) Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, to facilitate any cooperative construction plan agreed to by the federal government and any drainage district, the board of drainage commissioners may issue bonds of the drainage district in the form and maturities required by the federal government.

  (2) A contract or agreement between the drainage district and the federal government for cooperative construction work is subject to approval by a majority of the landowners of the drainage district.

(c) State officials shall solicit the cooperation of the federal government to drain and reclaim agriculture lands.

#### Section 27-708

(a) In this section, "Fund" means the Drainage District Fund.

(b) There is a Drainage District Fund.

(c)

  (1) The purpose of the Fund is to encourage drainage projects to promote the ditching, draining, leveeing, and reclaiming of wet and overflowed land that can be made available for agriculture.

  (2) Loans not exceeding $2,000 may be made from the Fund for a drainage project to pay the expenses of the surveys, board of viewers, advertising, and all other incidental fees and expenses connected with the drainage project until the drainage district is established and the work is turned over to the board of drainage commissioners.

(d) The sum of $10,000 shall be appropriated from money in the State Treasury, which is not otherwise appropriated, to the credit of the Fund.

(e) When there is money to the credit of the Fund, the State Treasurer shall pay the money to be loaned:

  (1) on warrant of the Comptroller; and

  (2) on the receipt of an itemized statement requesting the loan, endorsed by the designated officer and presiding officer of the county commissioners or county council of the county in which the original petition of the drainage district was filed.

(f) The funds loaned by the State shall be returned to the State Treasury through the county commissioners or county council, who shall collect the amount loaned under a petition filed under this title from:

  (1) if the petition is not allowed, the petitioner or the petitioner's surety; or

  (2) if the drainage district is established, the board of drainage commissioners out of the first proceeds of the sale of the bonds of the drainage district charged with the loan.

(g) In order for the Fund to be available for other projects, a loan to one drainage district may not be greater than the amount that is necessary for the use of the drainage district.

#### Section 27-709

The county tax collector, without an order from the board of drainage commissioners, shall pay:

(1) the installments of interest at the time and place as evidenced by the bonds; and

(2) the annual installments of the principal due on the bonds at the time and place evidenced by the bonds.

#### Section 27-710

The official bond of the county tax collector:

(1) shall be liable for the faithful performance of the duties assigned to the officer under this subtitle; and

(2) may be increased by the county commissioners or county council at their discretion.

### Subtitle 8. Miscellaneous Provisions

#### Section 27-801

(a) A landowner that has been assessed under this title for the cost to construct a ditch, drain, or watercourse may use the ditch, drain, or watercourse as an outlet for lateral drains from the assessed land.

(b) The owner of the assessed land may petition the county commissioners or county council if:

  (1) the assessed land is separated from a ditch, drain, or watercourse by the land of another; and

  (2) the owner of the assessed land and the other landowner do not agree on the terms and conditions under which the owner of the assessed land may enter the property of the other landowner and construct a lateral drain or ditch.

(c) A lateral ditch constructed under this section shall be:

  (1) part of the drainage system;

  (2) under the control of the board of drainage commissioners; and

  (3) maintained by the board of drainage commissioners as provided under this title.

### Subtitle 9. Prohibited Acts

#### Section 27-901

(a) A person may not damage, obstruct, or build any bridge, fence, or floodgate so as to damage any levee, ditch, drain, or watercourse constructed or improved under this title.

(b) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding twice the value of the damage.

#### Section 27-902

(a) A county tax collector may not willfully fail to make prompt payments of the interest and principal on bonds issued under this title.

(b) A county tax collector who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine and imprisonment.

(c) A county tax collector who violates this section is liable to the board of drainage commissioners or the holder of the bonds in a civil action in an amount equal to all damages which may accrue to the board or bond holder as a result of the violation.

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