<section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="23-101" title_number="23" title_name="Water, Sewers, and Drainage" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Water and Sewer Systems"> <level label="a"> <text>The Commission shall develop surveys, plans, specifications, and estimates for water supply and sanitary sewer systems in the portions of the sanitary district that the Commission considers necessary.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Commission shall divide the sanitary district into water or sanitary sewer districts that in the Commission’s judgment:</text> <level label="1"> <text>best serve the needs of the communities in the sanitary district; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>promote the convenience and economy of the installation and operation of water supply and sanitary sewer systems.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Commission may proceed with construction that the Commission considers advisable in any district.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>If the Commission initiates construction without petition or request from an interested party, the Commission may give reasonable notice that the Commission considers advisable.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>The Commission may extend its water supply or sewer systems into any area outside of the sanitary district that is contiguous to or in the vicinity of the sanitary district if the property owners of the area agree to the conditions imposed by the Commission.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Except as provided in this division, the powers and authority in this subsection may not be restricted by any other general, special, or local law.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>The Commission may not install, operate, or exercise any authority over stormwater management in Montgomery County.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="23-102" title_number="23" title_name="Water, Sewers, and Drainage" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Water and Sewer Systems"> <level label="a"> <text>A privately owned or municipally owned water supply or sanitary sewer system or part of a system, water main, sewer, water purification or sewage disposal plant, or connection with these facilities may not be constructed or installed, except as provided in this section.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A municipality or the property owners or residents of a locality in the sanitary district may construct and operate a water supply or sanitary sewer system or part of a system at their own expense if the Commission decides that it is inexpedient or impracticable to build the system due to remoteness from the Commission’s general system or for other reasons.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>A system constructed in accordance with subsection (b) of this section shall be constructed under plans and specifications submitted to and approved by the Commission.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The construction, maintenance, and operation of the system shall be under the supervision and general control of the Commission.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>All construction and operating records for the system, including cost records, shall be filed with the Commission.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The Commission may take over the system or a part of the system, water main, sewer, water purification or sewage disposal plant, or connection with these facilities in the same manner as provided in § 23–103 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>Except as provided in this division, the powers and authority in this section may not be restricted by any other general, special, or local law.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="23-103" title_number="23" title_name="Water, Sewers, and Drainage" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Water and Sewer Systems"> <level label="a"> <text>The Commission may purchase a municipally or privately owned water supply or sewer system if the Commission:</text> <level label="1"> <text>extends its general water supply or sewer system to the municipally or privately owned water supply or sewer system and is ready to connect with the system; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>considers the purchase to be expedient, advisable, and proper for the adequate operation of the system under the Commission’s jurisdiction.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>If the Commission and the owner of a municipally or privately owned water supply or sewer system fail to agree to the purchase price or conditions of purchase of the water or sewer system, the Commission may acquire the system by condemnation, as provided in this division.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="23-104" title_number="23" title_name="Water, Sewers, and Drainage" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Water and Sewer Systems"> <level label="a"> <text>If a privately owned water or sewer system is the subject of a condemnation proceeding under this division, a jury in the proceeding shall determine the fair market value as provided for in § 12–105(b) of the Real Property Article.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>If the Commission condemns a privately owned system, the Commission shall take the system free and clear of all debts and liens.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>The Commission shall make a party defendant any person that has a recorded lien or encumbrance against the privately owned system.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The circuit court may determine the respective amounts due the defendants.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>After the payment into the court or to the proper parties:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the Commission may take possession of, maintain, and operate the private system; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>all properties along the line of any water main or sewer of the private system shall stand in the same relation, bear the same benefit assessment, and be subject to the same regulations and penalties as though the private system had been constructed and put into operation by the Commission under the provisions of this division.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>A building or premises properly connected with the acquired private system at the time of its purchase is not subject to the connection charge specified under Title 25, Subtitle 3 of this article.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>If the Commission considers that a privately owned water or sewer system is unfit, in whole or in part, for incorporation with the Commission’s system, the Commission shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>disregard the existence of the system or unfit part of the system; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>extend the Commission’s system to serve the area served by the existing system or unfit part of the system.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>All of the provisions of this division relating to systems constructed by the Commission apply to an extension under paragraph (1) of this subsection.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="23-105" title_number="23" title_name="Water, Sewers, and Drainage" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Water and Sewer Systems"> <level label="a"> <text>After the payment for the acquisition is made to the court or to the municipality:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the Commission may take possession of, maintain, and operate a municipally owned water or sewer system; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>all properties along the line of any water main or sewer of the municipal system shall stand in the same relation, bear the same benefit assessment, and be subject to the same regulations and penalties as though the municipal system had been constructed and put into operation by the Commission under the provisions of this division.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A building or premises properly connected with the acquired municipal system at the time of its purchase is not subject to the connection charge specified under Title 26, Subtitle 3 of this article.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>If outstanding bonds exist for a municipal system acquired by the Commission:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the municipality may use the amount paid by the Commission for the system for the purchase or redemption of any bond or debt that may be outstanding against the system; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the Commission, as a part of the compensation for the system, may assume the payment of any outstanding bond.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="23-201" title_number="23" title_name="Water, Sewers, and Drainage" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Subdivision Lines and Service Connections"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Authorization for service” means an application by a property owner or developer to the Commission for water or sewer service that requires the construction of subdivision lines.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Development” means a project for the construction of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>two or more residential dwelling units; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>a commercial or industrial structure.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>“Health hazard” means an owner–occupied residential property with a failing well or septic system as certified by the State or a local health department.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>“Payment security” means security to guarantee payment to the utility contractor, subcontractors, and suppliers that provide labor, materials, or construction equipment for the construction of subdivision lines.</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>“Performance security” means security to guarantee completion of the construction of subdivision lines.</text> </level> <level label="7"> <level label="i"> <text>“Subdivision lines” means the water and sewer pipelines or facilities necessary to provide service to a development, including service connections to individual lots or properties in a development.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>“Subdivision lines” does not include pipelines or facilities that constitute major projects as defined in § 23–301 of this title.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, this section does not apply to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>authorizations for service for which:</text> <level label="1"> <text>application was made with the Commission on or before June 30, 1999; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the Commission entered into a contract for construction of subdivision lines with notice to proceed issued by the Commission to its contractor on or before June 30, 2001; or</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>authorizations for service for the relief of health hazards.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Each part of a multipart authorization for service shall be considered a separate authorization under paragraph (1) of this subsection.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Notwithstanding any other provision of law and except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, the owner or developer of a development in the sanitary district shall construct all subdivision lines for the development at the expense of the owner or developer.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Before constructing subdivision lines, the owner or developer of a development shall enter into an agreement with the Commission that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>requires the subdivision lines to be constructed under plans and specifications submitted to and approved by the Commission;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>requires the owner or developer to comply with all applicable laws and requirements for the construction of the subdivision lines;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>provides for the inspection of the subdivision lines by the Commission before the line is placed in service;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>requires the property owner or developer to provide:</text> <level label="i"> <text>performance security payable to the Commission in an amount acceptable to the Commission, taking into account potential cost escalation; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>payment security payable to the Commission in an amount equal to the amount of the performance security; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <text>provides that before the subdivision lines are placed in service, the property owner or developer shall provide the Commission with a release of liens, on a form acceptable to the Commission, signed by the utility contractor and notarized, stating that the utility contractor, subcontractors, and suppliers have been paid.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>Acceptable forms of performance security and payment security under subsection (d) of this section are:</text> <level label="1"> <text>a certified check;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>a cash deposit;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>a certificate of deposit;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>an irrevocable letter of credit from a financial institution acceptable to the Commission and in a form acceptable to the Commission;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>a bond executed by a surety company authorized to do business in the State; or</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>any other form of security acceptable to the Commission.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <text>A utility contractor, subcontractor, or supplier providing labor, materials, or equipment for the construction of the subdivision lines that has not been paid may file a claim against the payment security within 180 days after completion of construction of the subdivision lines under the procedure required in the payment security.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>If a procedure is not specified in the payment security, the procedure shall be as established by regulations adopted by the Commission.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Commission may not release or reduce the amount of the payment security until:</text> <level label="i"> <text>all claimants have been paid; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>180 days have passed since completion of construction and no claims have been made.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="23-202" title_number="23" title_name="Water, Sewers, and Drainage" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Subdivision Lines and Service Connections"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>If property abuts on a street or right–of–way in which a water main or sanitary sewer is installed, the Commission shall provide a service connection from the water main or sanitary sewer to the property line of the abutting lot.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The service connection shall be constructed by and at the expense of the Commission and shall be paid for in accordance with this division.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>When the Commission declares a water main or sewer complete, after notice, every abutting property owner may hook up spigots, hydrants, toilets, and waste drains with the water main or sewer, as appropriate, within the time set by the Commission.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the fixtures described in paragraph (1) of this subsection do not exist or if the Commission determines that they are improper or inadequate, the property owner shall install satisfactory equipment.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>Any cesspool, sink drain, outhouse, or well that is polluted or a menace to health shall be abandoned and left in a way that it cannot be used or pose a risk to the public health.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Commission shall determine the disposition of these facilities.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>After the construction or acquisition of a water main or sewer, the Commission may order a property owner or occupant who refuses to connect to the water main or sewer to hook up to the water main or sewer if:</text> <level label="i"> <text>a condition exists that appears to be a menace to the health of the occupants of the property or the occupants of a nearby or adjoining property;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the property on which the condition exists abuts the water main or sewer;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>the Commission gives the owner or occupant 10 days’ notice and an opportunity to be heard; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>the Commission determines the condition to be a menace to the health of the occupants of the property or the occupants of a nearby or adjoining property.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>If the Commission determines that a condition exists as provided in paragraph (1) of this subsection, the Commission shall pass an order that requires that the property hookup be made in not less than 30 days or more than 90 days of the issuance of the order.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The property owner or occupant may not refuse to comply with the order or violate any of the other provisions of this section.</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>As provided in the Administrative Procedure Act, the property owner or occupant may seek judicial review of the decision of the Commission.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>In this subsection, “master meter” means a meter used to measure, for billing purposes, the total amount of water and sewer usage in a building, including the combined use from all individually leased or owned units and all common areas.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>This subsection applies only in Prince George’s County.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Commission may not authorize the use of a master meter for water and sewer service in a residential multiple occupancy building that is constructed or converted to condominium or cooperative ownership.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>In the case of a residential multiple occupancy building in which the Commission has previously authorized the use of a master meter under this section, and that is intended to be converted to condominium or cooperative ownership, the conversion of ownership may not take effect until individual meters have been installed for each individual dwelling unit and for the common areas of the building.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="23-203" title_number="23" title_name="Water, Sewers, and Drainage" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Subdivision Lines and Service Connections"> <level label="a"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (e) of this section, this section does not apply to streets, roads, alleys, sidewalks, or public property in the jurisdiction of Montgomery County.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The Commission shall make taps in installations of the Commission at a charge that the Commission considers reasonable.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Commission may construct and make water service connections of 2 inches or larger and charge for the connections at the actual cost to the Commission.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Commission may authorize the construction of service connections by a master plumber, who is registered in the sanitary district, under the supervision of the Commission.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>If the Commission, by resolution, authorizes service connections to be made by a master plumber, under regulations and after issuance of a written permit by the Commission, the master plumber may enter on and cut into a street under the jurisdiction of a public authority to the same extent that the Commission may enter on and cut into the street.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>The master plumber shall first post with the Commission an indemnity bond in an amount set by and with sureties approved by the Commission.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The bond shall indemnify the Commission and any State, county, or municipal authority having jurisdiction over the street against all loss, cost, or damage that may be caused by the master plumber’s entering on and cutting into the street.</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The master plumber shall deposit with the Commission in cash a sum set by the Commission to cover the cost of resurfacing the cut.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="i"> <text>The only permit required shall be a permit issued by the Commission in accordance with this section.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The master plumber shall notify the authority having control of the street to be entered and cut of the time and nature of the work to be done.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>Before cutting into a street, road, alley, sidewalk, or public property under the jurisdiction of Montgomery County, a master plumber shall secure a permit from the county and pay a fee and comply with regulations established by the county.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>The Commission shall adopt regulations to implement this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="23-204" title_number="23" title_name="Water, Sewers, and Drainage" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Subdivision Lines and Service Connections"> <text>The Commission may grant water or sewer service connections, hookups, or authorizations for service or otherwise extend water and sewer service to a new development in the Prince George’s County portion of the sanitary district only if the development is in conformance with adopted and approved plans, programs, and policies of the county or other regulations that the county may include in an adopted and approved comprehensive water and sewer plan, amendment, or revision.</text> </section> <section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="23-205" effective_note="EFFECTIVE UNTIL JUNE 30, 2034 PER CHAPTER 679 OF 2024" title_number="23" title_name="Water, Sewers, and Drainage" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Subdivision Lines and Service Connections"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Fund” means the Connection Pipe Emergency Replacement Fund.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="i"> <text>“Pipe” means a water or sewer service pipe connection located on a Commission customer’s property that connects from the Commission’s service connection to a customer’s residence.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>“Pipe” includes polybutylene pipes.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>“Program” means the Connection Pipe Emergency Replacement Loan Program.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Commission shall establish a Connection Pipe Emergency Replacement Loan Program.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The purpose of the Program is to provide loans to residential customers to diagnose and finance the replacement of malfunctioning pipes.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Program shall include:</text> <level label="1"> <text>eligibility requirements for participation in the Program, including eligibility requirements for:</text> <level label="i"> <text>customers applying to receive a loan through the Program;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the type of connection pipe that is being installed to replace the existing connection pipe;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>the type of malfunction and pipe replacement emergency that qualifies for the Program; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>the type of diagnostic action that qualifies for the Program;</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>a requirement that a customer receive notification or have certification that there is an active leak in the pipe that will be replaced;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>loan terms and conditions, including an interest rate repayment schedule and an administrative processing fee;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>a requirement that the replacement of malfunctioning pipes or a diagnostic action taken under the Program be performed by a plumber licensed by the Commission; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>a prohibition on the Commission replacing malfunctioning pipes under the Program.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>The Program shall provide loans to customers on a first–come, first–served basis.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A loan made under the Program may not exceed $10,000.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A customer may not receive more than one loan at a time under the Program.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to paragraph (3) of this subsection, the Program shall require a customer to repay a loan provided under the Program:</text> <level label="i"> <text>through a separate charge on the customer’s water and sewer bill; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>by another method determined by the Commission.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Commission may not set a charge greater than an amount that allows the Commission to recover the costs associated with:</text> <level label="i"> <text>financing the loan; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>administering the Program.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A person who acquires property subject to a charge under this section assumes the obligation to pay the charge.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <text>Subject to paragraph (4) of this subsection, a loan provided under the Program shall be a lien against the property on which a malfunctioning pipe has been replaced or a diagnostic action has been taken.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A lien under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph shall continue until the loan is paid in full to the Commission.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Commission shall be the sole holder of the lien established under paragraph (1) of this subsection.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="i"> <text>The Commission shall record a lien established under this subsection in the land records of the county where the property is located.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A lien established under this subsection shall secure payment of a loan, including the principal, interest, late charges, cost of collection, and reasonable attorney’s fees.</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Enforcement of a lien established under this subsection shall be in accordance with the Maryland Contract Lien Act.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>A lien established under this subsection may not take priority over a lien, mortgage, deed of trust, or other security interest that is:</text> <level label="i"> <text>already attached to the property at the time the lien established under this subsection is recorded; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>given to secure a loan to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>purchase the property subject to the lien established under this subsection; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>refinance a loan that is already attached to the property at the time the lien established under this subsection is recorded.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The Program may not provide, or at any time have outstanding, more than $2,000,000 total in loans.</text> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <text>The Commission shall include $200,000 annually in the Commission’s budget for the Program for fiscal years 2020 through 2034.</text> </level> <level label="i"> <level label="1"> <text>There is a Connection Pipe Emergency Replacement Fund.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The purpose of the Fund is to provide funding for the Program.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Fund shall be administered solely by the Commission or the Commission’s designee.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The Fund consists of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>money appropriated by the Commission from ratepayer funds only;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>any investment earnings of the Fund; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>any other money from any other source accepted for the benefit of the Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The Fund may be used only for:</text> <level label="i"> <text>providing loans through the Program; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the administration of the Program.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="23-301" title_number="23" title_name="Water, Sewers, and Drainage" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Capital Improvements Program"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>“Major project” means an extension, project, or program of water and sewer facilities.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Major project” includes:</text> <level label="i"> <text>a sewer main at least 15 inches in diameter;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>a water main at least 16 inches in diameter; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>a sewage or water pumping station, force main, and storage or other major facility.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Major project” does not include a sewer main or water main that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>provides only local service;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>is 2,000 feet or less; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>is built to avoid unnecessary and uneconomical duplication when a major project is constructed.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Program” means a 6–year projected program by the Commission of capital improvements for water and sewer facilities.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="23-302" title_number="23" title_name="Water, Sewers, and Drainage" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Capital Improvements Program"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle, the requirements and responsibilities of the county executives and county councils or successor forms of governments shall be performed separately or jointly by the branches of the respective county governments as provided by charter or other law.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The designation of a specific branch of county government is not intended to expand, limit, modify, or vary the powers and duties of the county executives and county councils of Montgomery County or Prince George’s County.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="23-303" title_number="23" title_name="Water, Sewers, and Drainage" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Capital Improvements Program"> <text>A Program shall include:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the major projects that the Commission determines may be required in each of the next 6 fiscal years:</text> <level label="i"> <text>in the sanitary district; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>in geographical areas outside the sanitary district that the Commission determines are appropriate to include in the Program;</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>a statement of the objectives and the relationship to the long–range development plans designated by each county for each major project;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>a projected construction schedule, an estimate of cost, and a statement of funding sources, including contributions that may be required for the construction of a major project;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>the information and documentation for each major project that the Commission is required to submit for the 6–year period covered by the Program under Title 9, Subtitle 5 of the Environment Article;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>the addition of a new major project and the deletion, modification, or rescheduling of a previously approved major project for which a construction contract has not been awarded or will not be awarded during the fiscal year in which the Program is being submitted;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>an indication, by major project, of the mains for which construction contributions have been made or committed and the amounts of contributions as of the date of the preparation of the Program;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>additional information for major projects for which contributions are made or committed before approval or amendment of the Program; and</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>for each major project, as applicable:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the estimated maximum diameter, length, and location of water and sewer mains;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the design capacity and approximate location of pumping stations;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>the maximum population that could be served by each sewer construction item as the item is proposed to be designed;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>the maximum area limits that could be served by gravity systems for each sewer system construction item and the area that each item is designed to serve, with the area limits set forth in a general narrative statement and on a map;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>the demonstrated need for each major project, including a presentation of appropriate facts justifying the proposed construction; and</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>the estimated cost of each construction item in the Program.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="23-304" title_number="23" title_name="Water, Sewers, and Drainage" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Capital Improvements Program"> <level label="a"> <text>Before October 1 of each year, the Commission shall prepare and submit a Program to the County Executive and County Council of Montgomery County and the County Executive of Prince George’s County.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>In Montgomery County, the County Executive shall submit recommendations and suggested amendments about the Program to the County Council as an integral part of the comprehensive 6–year Capital Improvements Program required by the Montgomery County Charter.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>In Prince George’s County, the County Executive shall submit the Program, together with comments, recommendations, and suggested amendments, to the County Council.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="23-305" title_number="23" title_name="Water, Sewers, and Drainage" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Capital Improvements Program"> <level label="a"> <text>Before final action on a Program is taken, public hearings shall be held on the Program.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The public hearings may be conducted in conjunction with public hearings on the 6–year programs or capital budgets of Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, or other agencies.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="23-306" title_number="23" title_name="Water, Sewers, and Drainage" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Capital Improvements Program"> <level label="a"> <text>The county councils of Montgomery County and Prince George’s County shall approve, disapprove, or modify a Program.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The county councils of Montgomery County and Prince George’s County shall seek the advice and recommendation of the Maryland–National Capital Park and Planning Commission in reviewing a Program.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The county councils of Montgomery County and Prince George’s County may designate a water or sewer main for controlled or limited access for service to designated areas within the respective county.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>A modification to a Program by the county council of Montgomery County or Prince George’s County is not final until the modification is submitted to the Commission for written comment.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Commission has at least 30 days to comment on the modification.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="23-307" title_number="23" title_name="Water, Sewers, and Drainage" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Capital Improvements Program"> <level label="a"> <text>If the statement of objectives included in the Program as provided in § 23–303 of this subtitle declares that a major project to be constructed in whole or in part in one county is designed to provide services in whole or in substantial part to the other county, the major project may be disapproved with the concurrence of the county council of the county that is to receive the services.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>Notwithstanding subsection (a) of this section, the county council of the county in which the major project is located may direct modifications in location or change the proposed year of construction if the modification or change will not prevent the services being available when needed.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The county council’s authority to direct modifications in the location of a major project described in subsection (a) of this section may be exercised to effect reasonable changes in the location of the major project by the county council of the county in which the major project is located when the major project is first approved as a part of a Program.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>After approval of a major project in a Program, the county council of the county in which the major project is located may make further modifications only if:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the modifications do not result in substantial net additional costs or expenses to the Commission; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the county directing the modifications reimburses the Commission for substantial net additional costs or expenses.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="23-308" title_number="23" title_name="Water, Sewers, and Drainage" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Capital Improvements Program"> <text>In approving or modifying a Program, if Montgomery County or Prince George’s County approves a major project for which money from the anticipated sources of funding shown by the Commission under § 23–303 of this subtitle is insufficient, the Commission is not obligated to undertake the major project unless the county approving the major project provides additional sources to fund the major project.</text> </section> <section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="23-309" title_number="23" title_name="Water, Sewers, and Drainage" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Capital Improvements Program"> <level label="a"> <text>If the Commission becomes legally liable to a third party as a direct result of a modification of a previous approval of a major project by Montgomery County or Prince George’s County, the county directing the change is responsible for the liability that results from the change.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The County Executive or County Council of Montgomery County or the County Executive of Prince George’s County shall settle or release a claim for liability under subsection (a) of this section by:</text> <level label="1"> <text>negotiating with the claimant; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>paying the final judgment of a court award.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>In litigation resulting from a claim for liability under subsection (a) of this section, the County Executive or County Council of Montgomery County and the County Executive of Prince George’s County may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>intervene in a court proceeding before judgment; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>interpose defenses available to the county or the Commission.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="23-310" title_number="23" title_name="Water, Sewers, and Drainage" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Capital Improvements Program"> <level label="a"> <text>If the Commission has made expenditures to a third party for services or property as part of an approved major project that is subsequently modified or removed by Montgomery County or Prince George’s County so that the services or property are no longer necessary, the county directing the modification or removal shall reimburse the Commission for the amount of the expenditures.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Commission shall give Montgomery County or Prince George’s County any right, title, and interest in an item for which reimbursement has been made.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="23-311" title_number="23" title_name="Water, Sewers, and Drainage" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Capital Improvements Program"> <text>Within 5 days after final action on a Program, the county councils of Montgomery County and Prince George’s County shall submit to the Commission notification of final action, including:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the details of changes or modifications; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>evidence of compliance with specified requirements of this subtitle that may be applicable to the final action.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="23-312" title_number="23" title_name="Water, Sewers, and Drainage" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Capital Improvements Program"> <level label="a"> <text>The Commission shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>review each Program;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>revise each Program as required by a final action of the county councils of Montgomery County and Prince George’s County; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>adopt each Program before the beginning of the first fiscal year of that Program.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Commission’s capital budget for the first fiscal year of each Program approved by the Commission shall provide money to begin the approved major projects for the first year of that Program.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>A major project may not begin if the major project is not in conformity with the part of the Program applicable to that fiscal year unless the major project is included in the Program by an amendment to the Program.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The amendment to the Program:</text> <level label="i"> <text>may be proposed by the Commission or initiated by the county executive or county council of Montgomery County or Prince George’s County;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>on reasonable advance notice to the public, shall be subject to a public hearing held by the county council of the county that initiates the amendment or by both county councils if the amendment affects both counties; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>requires final action by the county council of each affected county.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The county council of the affected county shall notify the Commission of the final action.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The Commission shall adopt an amendment approved by final action by the county council of each affected county.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>In this subsection, “material change” does not include the following items if service from a major project as constructed does not extend beyond the area approved for construction of a sewer project:</text> <level label="i"> <text>a normal deviation from the most recent estimated construction costs;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>a change in location caused by right–of–way acquisition problems;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>a condition found in the field when actual construction plans are prepared; or</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>a modification of an estimated size or length of a construction item.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A major project may not be constructed until an adopted Program is amended as to any material change.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="23-313" title_number="23" title_name="Water, Sewers, and Drainage" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Capital Improvements Program"> <level label="a"> <text>The Commission shall submit a final report, including construction cost figures, on completed major projects to the county executive and county council of Montgomery County or Prince George’s County.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>When the Commission submits a Program under § 23–304 of this subtitle, the Commission shall include a status report of all approved major projects that have not been completed as of the date that the Program is submitted.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The report shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>identify the major project;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>specify the dates of approval of the major project;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>indicate the current status of the major project, including an estimate of the date of completion of construction;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>indicate if the major project is the subject of a material change and any amendment that is required under § 23–312 of this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>for an approved major project in Montgomery County, indicate a change in the last estimated construction costs and a modification in location, size, and length of a construction item.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="23-314" title_number="23" title_name="Water, Sewers, and Drainage" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Capital Improvements Program"> <level label="a"> <text>Unless the county councils of Montgomery County and Prince George’s County have approved the extension, the Commission:</text> <level label="1"> <text>may not extend or approve construction of a sewer of any size or capacity to serve property in either county beyond the area that has been approved for service in a Program and the 10–year water and sewer plan required under § 9–503 of the Environment Article; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>subject to subsection (b) of this section, may not extend a water line of any size or capacity beyond the approved terminal point of a major project.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>If the county councils of Montgomery County and Prince George’s County have approved the extension, the Commission may extend a water line beyond the terminal point if:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the extension of the water line would provide water service to a development that is within an approved sewer project area; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the affected county, through an appropriate county unit, has approved the installation of individual sewage disposal facilities.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Commission may construct an extension that requires approval under this section if:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the proposed extension has been submitted for approval; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>within 30 days after receipt of the proposed extension, the affected county has not notified the Commission that the extension should not be made.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="23-315" title_number="23" title_name="Water, Sewers, and Drainage" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Capital Improvements Program"> <level label="a"> <text>This section applies only in Prince George’s County.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, the Commission may provide sanitary sewer service in drainage areas that are tributary to county–approved trunk sewers and county–approved pumping stations outside of the county–approved service areas.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Property to which sanitary sewer service is provided under this section shall be developed in accordance with a master plan adopted by the Maryland–National Capital Park and Planning Commission and approved by the County Council of Prince George’s County after submission to the County Executive of Prince George’s County for review.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Notwithstanding subsection (c) of this section, the Commission may provide sanitary sewer service to existing structures located in the drainage areas described in subsection (b) of this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="23-316" title_number="23" title_name="Water, Sewers, and Drainage" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Capital Improvements Program"> <level label="a"> <text>It is the intent of the General Assembly that the Commission, the Maryland–National Capital Park and Planning Commission, and the county executives and county councils of Montgomery County and Prince George’s County cooperate to the fullest extent in seeking to attain maximum harmony of water and sanitary sewer construction programs with the other elements of orderly growth in Montgomery County and Prince George’s County.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Commission, the Maryland–National Capital Park and Planning Commission, and the county executives and county councils of Montgomery County and Prince George’s County are encouraged to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>meet and discuss each Program; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>exchange information and details necessary to achieve the coordination contemplated by this section for each Program.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Commission shall give additional information and details that the county executives and county councils of Montgomery County and Prince George’s County request in connection with the consideration of a Program.</text> </level> </section>