In this title the following words have the meanings indicated. “Board of drainage commissioners” means the board of drainage commissioners of a drainage district. “Board of viewers” means the board of viewers of a drainage district established under this title. “Designated officer” means: the clerk of the county commissioners for a code county or commission county if there is a clerk for the county; or 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. “Drainage district” means a drainage district established under this title. “Landowner” means a person who owns land located in a drainage district or proposed drainage district.

This title does not apply to Baltimore City.

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.

In response to a petition filed under § 27–201 of this title, the county commissioners or a county council of a county may establish a drainage district to: locate and establish a levee, drain, or canal; construct, straighten, widen, or deepen a ditch, drain, or watercourse; and construct levees, embankments, tidewater gates, and pumping plants to drain and reclaim wet, swamp, or overflowed land.

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.