There is a Maryland Geological Survey in the Department. The Governor, with the advice of the Secretary, shall appoint the Director of the Survey. The Director shall hold office under and subject to the provisions of § 1-101(d) of this article. He shall be a person with executive ability, and special training and experience in handling problems in the fields of geology and water resources.

The Survey shall: Conduct topographic, geologic, hydrographic, and geophysical surveys; Prepare topographic, geologic, and other types of maps to meet specific needs; Prepare reports on the extent and character of the State’s geology, mineral, and water resources; and Periodically assess the paleontological resources of the State and coordinate the assessment with interested persons and public agencies.

The Director of the Survey shall exercise any power or duty and general supervision over matters conferred upon the Survey by law, subject to the authority of the Secretary.

There is a Commission of the Maryland Geological Survey in the Survey. It consists of five members appointed by the Secretary from among citizens of the State who have character, ability, and active interest in the proper development, use, and conservation of geologic, mineral, and water resources. The members shall select their own chairman. A member’s term of office is five years. The Secretary may remove any member for cause, and any vacancy shall be filled for the unexpired term. A member may not receive compensation for his services, but shall be reimbursed for necessary travel expenses and disbursements made in order to attend any meeting or perform any other official duty. The Commission shall advise the Director of the Survey with respect to any matter within the Survey’s jurisdiction.

There is a Maryland Geological Survey Fund in the Department. The purpose of the Fund is to finance the direct and indirect costs of administering this subtitle, including long–term budgeting and planning for Survey projects, procurements, and equipment purchases. The Department shall administer the Fund. The Fund is a special, nonlapsing fund that is not subject to § 7–302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article. The State Treasurer shall hold the Fund separately, and the Comptroller shall account for the Fund. The Fund consists of: Money appropriated in the State budget to the Fund; Interest earnings; and Any other money from any other source accepted for the benefit of the Fund. The Fund may be used only for: Covering the costs of the operation of the Survey; Purchasing and maintaining equipment for use by the Department or the Survey; Funding projects undertaken and overseen by the Survey; Administering this subtitle; and Administrative expenses calculated in accordance with § 1–103(b)(2) of this article. The State Treasurer shall invest the money of the Fund in the same manner as other State money may be invested. Any interest earnings of the Fund shall be credited to the Fund. Expenditures from the Fund may be made only in accordance with the State budget.