<section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-101" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Definitions; General Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>In this title the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Administration” means the State Highway Administration.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Administrator” means the State Highway Administrator.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Bicycle and pedestrian priority area” means a geographical area where the enhancement of bicycle or pedestrian traffic is a priority.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Commission” means the State Roads Commission.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>“Controlled access highway” means a major highway with the same characteristics as an expressway, except that the conflict of cross streams of traffic is not eliminated necessarily at each intersection by grade separation structures.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>“County road” means any public highway:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The title to which or the easement for the use of which, is vested in a public body or governmental agency; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>That is not a State highway or located in Baltimore City.</text> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <text>“Expressway” means a major highway of two or more traffic lanes in each direction that is designed to eliminate principal traffic hazards and has the following characteristics:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A median divider separating opposing traffic lanes to eliminate head-on collisions and sideswiping;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Grade separation structures to eliminate the conflict of cross streams of traffic at each intersection;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Points of entrance and exit limited to predetermined locations;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Vertical curves long enough to provide long sight distances; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Shoulders wide enough to permit vehicles to stop or park out of traffic lanes.</text> </level> </level> <level label="i"> <text>“Highway” includes:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Rights-of-way, roadway surfaces, roadway subgrades, shoulders, median dividers, drainage facilities and structures, related stormwater management facilities and structures, roadway cuts, roadway fills, guardrails, bridges, highway grade separation structures, railroad grade separations, tunnels, overpasses, underpasses, interchanges, entrance plazas, approaches, and other structures forming an integral part of a street, road, or highway, including bicycle and walking paths; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any other property acquired for the construction, operation, or use of the highway.</text> </level> </level> <level label="j"> <text>“Interstate highway” means a State highway that is part of the national interstate system in this State, as designated by the Administration and approved by the United States Secretary of Transportation under Title 23 of the United States Code.</text> </level> <level label="k"> <level label="1"> <text>“Maintenance” means the upkeep and repair by which a highway, building, equipment, and other property is kept in an ordinarily efficient operating condition.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Maintenance” does not include construction, reconstruction, or relocation.</text> </level> </level> <level label="l"> <text>“Primary highway” means a State highway that has been designated a primary highway by the Administration with the approval of the Secretary.</text> </level> <level label="m"> <text>“Project” means the construction, reconstruction, or relocation of one or more sections or parts of the State highway system.</text> </level> <level label="n"> <level label="1"> <text>“Railroad grade separation” means any overpass or underpass that eliminates a railroad grade crossing.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Railroad grade separation” includes:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The overpass and underpass structure and the approaches to them;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Any related entrance plazas, interchanges, connecting highways, and other structures; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Any other property acquired for the construction, operation, or use of the railroad grade separation.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="o"> <text>“Road” means a highway.</text> </level> <level label="p"> <text>“Secondary highway” means a State highway that is neither a primary highway nor interstate highway.</text> </level> <level label="q"> <text>“State highway” means any public highway owned by this State.</text> </level> <level label="r"> <text>“State highway system” means the system of State-owned primary and secondary highways throughout this State.</text> </level> <level label="s"> <text>“Street” means a highway.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-102" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Definitions; General Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>It is the policy of this title to promote an efficient and economical transportation system.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Department of Transportation and the State Highway Administration may not proceed to the final project planning phase unless it has been determined that the objective of the proposed project cannot be reasonably achieved through:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Improvements in highway maintenance and safety;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Projects that modify existing highways but provide for minimal relocation or new highway construction; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Improvements in, or adoption of, transit alternatives, including mass transit alternatives.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-201" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="State Highway Administration"> <text>There is a State Highway Administration in the Department.</text> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-202" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="State Highway Administration"> <level label="a"> <text>The head of the Administration is the State Highway Administrator, who shall be appointed by the Secretary with the approval of the Governor.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The Administrator serves at the pleasure of the Secretary and shall report directly to him.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Subject to the authority of the Secretary, the Administrator is responsible for carrying out:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The powers and duties vested by law in the Administration, except those powers and duties that are vested in the State Roads Commission by Article III, § 40B of the Maryland Constitution; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Those powers and duties vested in the Secretary and delegated to the Administrator by the Secretary.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Administrator is entitled to the salary provided in the State budget.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-203" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="State Highway Administration"> <level label="a"> <text>The exercise of the powers and duties of the Administration is subject to the authority of the Secretary and, where applicable, the Maryland Transportation Authority.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>By regulation or directive, the Secretary or, where applicable, the Maryland Transportation Authority may require that the exercise of any power or duty of the Administration be subject to the prior approval of the Secretary or the Maryland Transportation Authority, as the case may be.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>This section does not apply to the powers and duties vested in the State Roads Commission by Article III, § 40B of the Maryland Constitution.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-204" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="State Highway Administration"> <level label="a"> <text>In addition to the specific powers granted and duties imposed by this title, the Administration has the powers and duties set forth in this section.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Administration may adopt rules and regulations to carry out the provisions of this title.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The Administration shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Determine and may change from time to time the location, construction, geometrics, design, and maintenance of the State highway system; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <level label="1"> <text>If there is a State highway within the limits of an area that a local government has designated as a bicycle and pedestrian priority area, make a determination on whether the Administration should also designate the area as a bicycle and pedestrian priority area:</text> </level> <level label="A"> <text>On or before September 30, 2016, if the local government notified the Administration of its designation on or before September 30, 2015; or</text> </level> <level label="B"> <text>Within 1 year of notification, if the local government notifies the Administration of its designation on or after October 1, 2015; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the Administration and a local government each designate an area as a bicycle and pedestrian priority area, implement a plan developed in cooperation with the local government to increase safety and access for bicycle or pedestrian traffic.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If there is no State highway within the limits of the bicycle and pedestrian priority area, the plan shall be developed by the local government.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A plan for traffic management in a bicycle and pedestrian priority area shall provide for:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Appropriate changes to the location, construction, geometrics, design, and maintenance of the State highway system to increase safety and access for bicycle or pedestrian traffic in the bicycle and pedestrian priority area; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The appropriate use of traffic control devices including pedestrian control signals, traffic signals, stop signs, and speed bumps.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Administration may consult, confer, and contract with any agency or representative of the federal government, this State, or any other state or with any other person in furtherance of the duties of the Administration and the purposes of this title.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to § 2–103.4 of this article, the Administration may employ engineers, accountants, professional and technical experts, surveyors, skilled and unskilled laborers, advisors, consultants, and any other agents and employees that it considers necessary to carry out its powers and duties.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any employee of the Administration may be bonded or covered by an insurance policy as determined by the State Treasurer under § 5–108 of the State Government Article.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Administration may determine the compensation of executive management positions, as recommended by the Secretary of Transportation and approved by the Governor, subject to approval in the budget.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>The Administration may purchase any machines, tools, implements, appliances, supplies, materials, and working agencies that it considers necessary to carry out any of its powers or duties under this title.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>The Administration may rent or lease any offices and other places that it considers necessary to carry out its powers and duties.</text> </level> <level label="h"> <text>By rules or regulations consistent with the safety and welfare of the traveling public, the Administration may govern the control and use of rest areas, scenic overlooks, roadside picnic areas, and other public use areas within State highway rights-of-way.</text> </level> <level label="i"> <text>The Administration shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Plan, select, construct, improve, and maintain the State highway system; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>By July 1, 1997, in coordination with local governments, draft a plan for a bicycle priority route system that provides a viable network for bicycle transportation throughout the State.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-204.1" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="State Highway Administration"> <level label="a"> <text>In this section, “complete streets policy” has the meaning stated in § 2–112 of this article.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Administration shall, in accordance with § 2–112 of this article, adopt a complete streets policy for State highways.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-204.2" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="State Highway Administration"> <level label="a"> <text>The Administration shall conduct an infrastructure review of each pedestrian or bicyclist fatality that occurs:</text> <level label="1"> <text>On a State highway; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>At an intersection of a State highway and another highway or a municipal street.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Administration’s infrastructure review shall identify:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Deficiencies in engineering, traffic control, and traffic operations; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Appropriate corrective actions and crash reduction countermeasures that are consistent with the United States Department of Transportation’s best practices and the State’s Vision Zero program established under Subtitle 10 of this title, if warranted.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>In conducting an infrastructure review, the Administration shall consider:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Highway context, such as proximity of the highway to mass transit and whether the highway is in an urban or rural area;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The different modes of transportation using the highway; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Prior crashes in the vicinity.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Administration shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Complete an infrastructure review within 6 months after being notified by law enforcement of a pedestrian or bicyclist fatality; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Publish the review on its website.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-205" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="State Highway Administration"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>The Administration shall keep books that show in detail all expenditures made to establish or improve highways in this State or to perform any other of its duties.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Administration shall compile and publish annually and shall keep copies of maps, plans, and statistics that show the progress and status of work on all State highways and, by county, the county roads of each county in this State.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Administration shall keep a record of each contract, agreement, grant, or license that it makes or issues.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Except as provided by law, all books and records of the Administration are public records and open to public inspection.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-206" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="State Highway Administration"> <text>The Administration shall keep its accounts relating to State highway construction, reconstruction, and maintenance so as to make readily obtainable information on expenditures for the following:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Preliminary work, including: preliminary engineering surveys; preliminary plans and estimates; preliminary engineering investigations and studies; subsoil investigations and borings; test piles; traffic studies; and traveling, transportation, and subsistence expenses of personnel assigned to preliminary work;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Acquisition of rights–of–way, including: property surveys; legal costs in connection with property acquisition; cost of property acquired; appraisals; traveling, transportation, and subsistence expenses of personnel assigned to rights–of–way; and any other costs incurred in the acquisition of property;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Construction, including: payments made to contractors, builders, and materialmen, including payments for all labor and material for the construction of the project; demolition; machinery; and equipment;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Engineering, including: preparation of contract plans and specifications; estimates; supervision of construction; inspection of workmanship and materials; mill and shop inspection; tests of materials; control surveys; traveling, transportation, and subsistence expenses of engineers assigned to the design and preparation of contract plans and specifications, surveys, supervision of construction, and inspection of construction work;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Administrative and legal services, including: accounting; supervision; legal expenses; traveling, transportation, and subsistence expenses of personnel; and other administrative expenses, including any parts of the general administrative expenses of the Administration allocated or prorated to the project; and</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Miscellaneous expenses, including: any other item of expense not otherwise covered by this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-207" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="State Highway Administration"> <text>Except as provided in §§ 3–102 and 4–209 of this article or as otherwise reasonably required for purposes of Part II of this subtitle or for purposes of the powers and duties vested in the State Roads Commission by Article III, § 40B of the Maryland Constitution:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Every resolution, rule, regulation, form, order, and directive adopted by or relating to the former Director of Highways of the State of Maryland or adopted by or relating to the State Roads Commission or its Chairman remains in effect until changed by the Administrator or the Secretary; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Except as otherwise provided in this article or by the Administrator or the Secretary, every reference in this Code, any other law, ordinance, resolution, rule, regulation, order, directive, legal action, contract, or any other document:</text> <level label="i"> <text>To the State Roads Commission, means the Administration; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>To the Director of Highways or the Chairman of the State Roads Commission, means the Administrator.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-208" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="State Highway Administration"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Erect” has the meaning stated in § 8–701 of this title.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Outdoor sign” has the meaning stated in § 8–701 of this title.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>“Private entity” includes an individual, a corporation, a general or limited partnership, a limited liability company, a joint venture, a business trust, a public benefit corporation, a nonprofit entity, or any other business entity.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <text>Subject to subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, the Administration may sell or lease to a private entity the naming rights for rest areas or welcome centers within State highway rights–of–way.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The Administration may not sell or lease to a private entity the naming rights for rest areas or welcome centers within State highway rights–of–way unless the Administration determines that the proposed use of the naming rights and signage associated with the proposed use of the naming rights is in compliance with federal regulations governing the distribution of federal highway funds to the State.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The term of a contract that the Administration enters into under this subsection shall be at least 1 year.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A sale or lease of naming rights under this section is solely for sponsorship purposes and may not be construed to require that any official State highway sign or mailing address be altered.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>A private entity that purchases or leases naming rights for a rest area or welcome center within a State highway right–of–way under this section may erect outdoor signs along the highway for the purpose of sponsoring the designation.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>All costs associated with outdoor signs erected under this subsection shall be paid by the private entity that purchases or leases the naming rights for the rest area or welcome center, including the costs of construction, installation, operation, maintenance, and removal of the signs.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Outdoor signs under this subsection:</text> <level label="i"> <text>May not be erected without prior approval by:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The Administration; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Federal Highway Administration if necessary to secure federal highway funds;</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>May not detract from the safety of the traveling public, as determined by the Administration;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Shall conform to all design and placement guidelines for acknowledgment signs provided in the federal Manual on Uniform Control Devices for Streets and Highways;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>May not include a name or logo that in the judgment of the Administration:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Is profane, obscene, or vulgar;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Is sexually explicit or graphic;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Relates to excretory functions;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Is descriptive of the genitals or other intimate parts of a body;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Relates to or describes illegal activities or substances;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Condones or encourages violence;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>Is socially, racially, or ethnically offensive or disparaging; or</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>Is not in the public interest of the State; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Are subject to the requirements of Subtitle 7 of this title and any other law governing outdoor signs.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>Proceeds from the sale or lease of naming rights under this section shall be credited to the Transportation Trust Fund.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-210" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="State Highway Administration"> <text>There is a State Roads Commission in the Administration.</text> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-211" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="State Highway Administration"> <level label="a"> <text>The Administrator is the Chairman of the Commission.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>In addition to the Chairman, the Commission consists of seven regional members appointed by the Secretary with the approval of the Governor.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>At least two of the regional members of the Commission shall be registered members of one of the two leading political parties in this State other than the party to which the Governor belongs.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Of the regional members of the Commission:</text> <level label="i"> <text>One shall be a resident of the Eastern Shore of Maryland;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>One shall be a resident of Anne Arundel County, Charles County, Calvert County, or St. Mary’s County;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>One shall be a resident of Prince George’s County;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>One shall be a resident of Montgomery County;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>One shall be a resident of Baltimore County, Harford County, or Howard County;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>One shall be a resident of Baltimore City; and</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>One shall be a resident of Carroll County, Frederick County, Washington County, Allegany County, or Garrett County.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-212" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="State Highway Administration"> <level label="a"> <text>Each member of the Commission shall take the oath required by Article I, § 9 of the Maryland Constitution.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>Each regional member of the Commission serves for a term of 5 years and until his successor is appointed and qualifies. The terms of these members shall be staggered as required by prior appointments, three of which were made for a 1–year term beginning June 1, 1959, three of which were made for a 2–year term beginning June 1, 1959, and one of which was made for a 4–year term beginning June 1, 1969.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A member appointed to fill a vacancy in an unexpired term serves only for the remainder of that term.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A regional member of the Commission is entitled to the compensation provided in the State budget, but in no event may compensation exceed $10,000 per member annually.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-213" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="State Highway Administration"> <level label="a"> <text>With the approval of the Secretary, the Chairman of the Commission may adopt any bylaws and rules of procedure that the Chairman considers necessary to conduct the business of the Commission.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The Commission shall meet at least twice each month and at any other time that the Chairman or the Secretary requests.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A majority of the members of the Commission constitutes a quorum for the conduct of its business.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-214" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="State Highway Administration"> <level label="a"> <text>With the approval of the Secretary of Transportation, the Commission shall appoint a secretary to the Commission.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Commission secretary may not be a member of the Commission.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Commission secretary is entitled to the compensation that the Secretary determines, as provided in the State budget.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Commission secretary shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Keep accurate minutes of all meetings and records of all other transactions of the Commission;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Make copies of all notices that the Chairman directs to be published;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Preserve all certificates of publication; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Perform any other duties imposed by law or assigned by the Chairman.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-215" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="State Highway Administration"> <level label="a"> <text>The Chairman of the Commission may appoint one or more employees of the Administration to serve as assistant secretaries.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>An assistant secretary has the duties provided by law, assigned by the Chairman, or delegated by the Commission secretary.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the Commission secretary temporarily is unable to perform his duties, an assistant secretary designated by the Chairman shall perform those duties.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>An assistant secretary is not entitled to any compensation in addition to that which he receives as an employee of the Administration.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-216" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="State Highway Administration"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>The Commission secretary shall keep a journal for the Commission and enter in the journal detailed minutes of meetings and records of other transactions of the Commission.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Chairman and the Commission secretary shall attest to the accuracy of each entry in the journal at the next Commission meeting held after the entry is made.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Except as provided by law, the journal and all other records of the Commission are public records and open to public inspection.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-217" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="State Highway Administration"> <text>A member of the Commission may not have any financial interest in any contract made for work, material, or otherwise in connection with any of the activities of the Administration.</text> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-218" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="State Highway Administration"> <level label="a"> <text>The Commission has the powers and duties:</text> <level label="1"> <text>That are vested in it by Article III, § 40B of the Maryland Constitution, subject to and in accordance with the provisions of Subtitle 3, Parts III and IV of this title; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>That otherwise are vested in it by law or delegated to it by the Administrator or the Secretary.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Only the Commission may exercise the condemnation powers and duties vested in it by Article III, § 40B of the Maryland Constitution.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-301" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Acquisition and Disposition of Property"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Court” means the circuit court for any county.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Land” means real property or any interest in it.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Plat” means a plat or a map.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-302" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Acquisition and Disposition of Property"> <level label="a"> <text>The Administration may acquire for this State, by condemnation under Title 12 of the Real Property Article or by lease, agreement, gift, grant, purchase, or otherwise, any private property for any public purpose that it considers necessary or desirable to perform the duties imposed by this title or for any other purpose authorized under this title.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>On behalf of and at the request of the Administration, the State Roads Commission may exercise the authority vested in it by Article III, § 40B of the Maryland Constitution and acquire for this State, by condemnation under Part III or Part IV of this subtitle, any private property for any highway purpose.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-303" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Acquisition and Disposition of Property"> <level label="a"> <text>As provided in this section, the Administration may acquire any publicly owned property or jurisdiction over it, for any purpose authorized by this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any political subdivision or agency of State or local government may transfer to this State, for use by the Administration in a highway project, any publicly owned property or jurisdiction over it, as necessary or desirable for that project.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If title to property already is held by this State for the use of a political subdivision or agency of State or local government and the political subdivision or agency consents to the transfer, this State may transfer to itself, for use by the Administration in a highway project, any required part of the property or jurisdiction over it.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The terms of a transfer of property under this section shall be those that the Administration and the transferor agree to as reasonable and fair.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A transfer under this section may be made even if the property is used or is intended to be used for another public purpose.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Neither a transfer under this section nor the terms of the transfer may modify or impair any contract, commitment, declaration of trust, or similar instrument made by the transferor.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>This section does not create a condition precedent to or otherwise limit in any way the power to condemn property under this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-304" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Acquisition and Disposition of Property"> <level label="a"> <text>The Administration and any political subdivision may agree to transfer title to, jurisdiction over, or responsibility for maintenance of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A county road to this State; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A State highway to the political subdivision.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>If the Administration acquires title to a county road, it shall pay necessary relocation assistance to any public service company that, because of the exercise of its franchise, has occupied the road or acquired any interest in it and is required to relocate its facilities.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-305" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Acquisition and Disposition of Property"> <level label="a"> <text>Upon a preliminary determination by the Administration to undertake acquisition of any property for any project in advance of a public hearing on that project at which proposed right-of-way lines are identified, and prior to the obtainment of appraisals and property surveys, the Administration shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Notify the local governing body of any county and any municipality within which the property is located of the intent to acquire the property and the purpose for which it is to be acquired; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Provide such local governing bodies at least 30 days in which to submit comments on the proposed acquisition.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Acquisitions for traffic signals, safety and resurfacing and spot improvement projects are exempt from these requirements.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-306" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Acquisition and Disposition of Property"> <level label="a"> <text>When property is acquired under this subtitle, the real estate taxes due on the property shall be apportioned as of the earlier of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The date on which the Administration or Commission takes possession or has the right to take possession of the property; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The date on which the title to the property is transferred.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Administration or Commission shall pay its share of those real estate taxes as are due for the year in which the date of apportionment occurs.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-307" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Acquisition and Disposition of Property"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, if any property acquired under this subtitle is subject to a front-foot or other benefit assessment levied by a special tax district, the amount of the assessment unpaid at the date of the acquisition, including any interest on the assessment accrued to that date, immediately becomes due and payable to the special tax district and constitutes a lien against the property.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the property acquired is only a part of a larger lot, parcel, or other unit of land on which a single assessment is levied, the amount of the unpaid assessment and accrued interest that becomes due and payable and subject to this section is limited to that percentage of the full assessment and interest that is equitably attributable to the part acquired, computed and prorated in accordance with the basis, whether front footage, size, number of units, or otherwise, by which the full assessment was computed for and levied on the entire lot, parcel, or other unit.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>If the property is acquired otherwise than by condemnation, the Administration, before final settlement with the property owner, shall provide for payment of the unpaid amount of the assessment to the special tax district by deducting this amount from the total amount to be paid to the property owner. Until the assessment is paid and the lien satisfied, a deed evidencing the acquisition may not be recorded among the land records of the county.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>If the property is acquired by condemnation, the provisions of this subsection apply.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the special tax district is not a party to the condemnation proceeding, the jury may consider the amount of the unpaid assessment in determining the amount of damages. If it does so, the property owner is entitled to the full amount awarded for the property value, and the amount due for the unpaid assessment shall be paid by the Administration to the special tax district. If it does not do so, the Administration shall provide for the payment of the unpaid assessment as required by subsection (b) of this section.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>If the special tax district is a party to the condemnation proceeding, the jury shall make:</text> <level label="i"> <text>An award in favor of the special tax district for the unpaid amount of the assessment; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A separate award in favor of the property owner for the value of the property, less the unpaid amount of the assessment.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-308" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Acquisition and Disposition of Property"> <level label="a"> <text>Subject to any terms and conditions imposed by the Administration and approved by the Board of Public Works, any land acquired under this subtitle may be used by the transferor of the land in common with the Administration until construction of the transportation project actually begins.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>This section does not prevent the Administration, in its discretion, from removing any building or structure from the land. In addition, the transferor may not construct any building or other structure on the land or use the land in any way that will result in the payment of any additional money or damages for the land.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-309" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Acquisition and Disposition of Property"> <level label="a"> <text>The purpose of this section is to return unneeded land to the tax rolls of the counties and to make this land available for use by a county or municipality for any transportation purpose.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>Notwithstanding any other statute to the contrary, if land acquired under this subtitle is not needed for present or future State, county, or municipal transportation purpose or other public purposes, the Administration shall dispose of the land as soon as practicable after the completion or abandonment of the project for which the land was acquired.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>If the land is from a project that was abandoned, and the Secretary determines that the property is no longer needed for any State transportation purpose, a county or municipality may acquire the land for a transportation purpose, with the approval of the Secretary, on payment of an amount equal to the lesser of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The appraised value of the land; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The consideration that the Administration or Commission originally paid for the land, plus simple interest at the fair market rate calculated from the time of acquisition to the time of disposition and administrative costs.</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>If the land is not needed for a county or municipal transportation purpose, the person from whom the land was acquired or the successor in interest of that person has the right to reacquire the land, on payment of an amount equal to the lesser of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The appraised value of the land; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The consideration that the Administration or Commission originally paid for the land, plus simple interest at the fair market value calculated from the time of acquisition to the time of disposition and administrative costs.</text> </level> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>If neither of these rights is exercised, the land shall be disposed of under this section in the same manner as if the land were from a project that has been completed or otherwise as permitted by this section.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <text>As to land from a completed project:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The Administration shall notify the person from whom the land was acquired, or the successor in interest of that person, within 30 days after making a determination that the land is not needed by the Administration and that the land is available for reacquisition;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Within 5 years from the date the land was acquired, the person from whom the land was acquired, or the successor in interest of that person, may reacquire the land, on payment of an amount equal to the consideration that the Administration or Commission originally paid for the property; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>After 5 years from the date the land was acquired, the person from whom the land was acquired, or the successor in interest of that person, has the right to reacquire the land at the current market value.</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>If the right to reacquire the land as provided in subparagraph (i) of this paragraph is not exercised within 8 months after the Administration provides the notice that the land is available, the Administration shall sell the land at public auction as provided in this subsection.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Before the sale:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The Administration shall appraise the land; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>If the Administration believes that the land has a value of more than $25,000, the land also shall be appraised by at least one independent, qualified real estate appraiser.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Administration shall notify the public of the sale by:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Posting a notice of the sale on the land at least 2 weeks before the sale; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Publishing the notice for 2 consecutive weeks in a newspaper that is published or has general circulation in the county in which the property is located.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The notice of the sale shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Describe generally the property to be sold;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>State the date, time, and place of the sale; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Contain any other information that the Administration considers proper.</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The sale shall be held on or near the land and may be conducted by Administration personnel.</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>At the conclusion of the sale, the Administration’s representative in charge of the sale shall announce publicly the name of the highest bidder and the amount of the bid. If the highest bid does not approximate the appraised value of the land, the representative may reject all bids and cancel the sale.</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>The results of the sale shall be recorded and, if the highest bid was accepted by the Administration’s representative, presented to the Administrator for approval or rejection. If the Administrator approves the sale, the Administrator may execute a deed conveying the land to the buyer.</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>If there is no bidder for the land, if all bids are rejected and the sale canceled as provided in paragraph (6) of this subsection, or if the Administrator considers all bids inadequate, the land shall be reoffered for sale within 6 months on the same terms and in the same manner as the original sale.</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>At the second sale, if there is no bidder for the land, if all bids are rejected and the sale canceled as provided in paragraph (6) of this subsection, or if the Administrator considers all bids inadequate, the Administrator may negotiate a sale of the land. If the Board of Public Works approves the negotiated sale and the deed, the Administrator may execute a deed conveying the land to the buyer.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>As to any land from a completed project, if the Administration considers the land to be too small or otherwise unsuitable for private use or development, the Administration shall establish a plan of disposal for that land. If the Board of Public Works approves the plan and the deed, the Administrator may execute a deed conveying the land under the plan.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, the Administration may convey land from an abandoned or completed transportation project by exchanging the land for privately or publicly owned land of substantially equal value when the land to be acquired by the exchange is needed for a current State highway purpose that has been identified within the current consolidated transportation program as approved by the General Assembly, or has otherwise received prior legislative approval for planning.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In the case of an abandoned or completed project, the person from whom the land was acquired, or the successor in interest of that person, shall have the first right of refusal to reacquire the land, except that the offer and acceptance shall be as follows:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The Administration shall notify the person from whom the land was acquired, or the successor in interest of that person, in writing, by certified mail, return receipt requested of the proposed exchange and the value of the property;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Within 90 days from the date of the notice, the person from whom the land was acquired, or the successor in interest of that person, shall notify the Administration in writing of its intent to exercise its right to reacquire the land; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Within 90 days from the date of notifying the Administration of its intent to reacquire the land, the person from whom the land was acquired, or the successor in interest of that person, must tender payment of an amount equal to the lesser of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The appraised value of the land; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The consideration that the Administration or Commission originally paid for the land, plus simple interest at the fair market rate calculated from the time of acquisition to the time of disposition and administrative costs.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The person from whom the land was acquired, or the successor in interest of that person, is deemed to have waived its right of first refusal if the person or the successor in interest fails to follow the procedures set forth in paragraph (2) of this subsection.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>In the case of a completed project or an abandoned project for which the right of first refusal was waived, the procedure for the exchange shall be as follows:</text> <level label="i"> <text>If the exchange is not one proposed by a county or municipality, the Administration shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Notify by registered mail any affected county or municipality of the offer for an exchange of a parcel;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Allow 60 days after notification for any affected county or municipality to make a request to acquire the parcel or part of the parcel located within the borders of the county or municipality and for the Administration to consider any such request; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>If any affected county or municipality makes an offer to acquire the parcel, or part thereof within that jurisdiction’s borders, that is equal to or greater than, or includes land of an equal or greater value than, the appraised value of the parcel or applicable portion thereof, the Administration shall accept that offer;</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Before making an exchange under this subsection, the exchange must be approved by the Board of Public Works; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>If the Administrator and the Board of Public Works approved the terms and conditions of the exchange and all deeds, the Administrator may execute and accept deeds effecting the conveyances necessary to complete the exchange.</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Before the exchange:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The Administration shall appraise all parcels of land to be exchanged; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>If the Administration believes that any parcel of land in the exchange has a value of more than $25,000, the parcels of land also shall be appraised by at least one independent, qualified real estate appraiser.</text> </level> </level> <level label="6"> <text>In the event that the properties to be exchanged are determined to be of unequal value, the Administrator may agree to accept or pay an amount necessary to substantially equalize the value of land conveyed by the State.</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>The owner of land exchanged under this subsection is not entitled to first right of refusal if the exchanged land is later offered for sale by the State.</text> </level> <level label="8"> <level label="i"> <text>If the Administration obtains or disposes of parcels of land under this subsection, it shall issue a report that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Lists the parcels of land exchanged;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>States the value of each parcel of land exchanged; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Describes each parcel of land exchanged.</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The Administration shall, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, submit the report to the House Environment and Transportation Committee, the House Appropriations Committee, and the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as required by this section for property from an abandoned project, this section does not prevent the Administration from conveying any of its surplus land to an adjacent property owner:</text> <level label="i"> <text>As all or part of the consideration for a right-of-way transaction; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>If the Administration believes that public auction of the surplus land will affect adversely the value or use of the surplus land, on a negotiated sale with a price based on the appraised value of the land.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the Administration believes that any land proposed for sale under this subsection has a value of more than $25,000, the land shall be appraised by at least one independent, qualified real estate appraiser.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>If the Board of Public Works approves the sale and the deed, the Administrator may execute a deed conveying the land to the adjacent property owner.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <text>Except as required by this section for property from an abandoned project, this section does not prevent the Administration, with the approval of the Board of Public Works, from conveying any of its surplus land to any State or local agency that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Needs the property for a public purpose; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Pays the Administration an amount equal to the lesser of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The appraised value of the land; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The consideration that the Administration or Commission originally paid for the land, plus simple interest at the fair market rate calculated from the time of acquisition to the time of disposition and administrative costs.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <level label="1"> <text>If the land is not to be used for any other public purpose by a State or local agency, the person from whom unimproved land was acquired shall have the first right of refusal to lease back the property at the fair market rent established by the acquiring agency.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>The person from whom an owner-occupied residential property was acquired shall have the first right of refusal to lease back the property at the fair market rent established by the acquiring agency.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>On the exercise of the right to lease back the property, the period of eligibility for an additional payment as authorized under § 12-202 of the Real Property Article shall be calculated as provided in § 12-203(1) of the Real Property Article.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="i"> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <text>In this subsection, “former owner” means only that person from whom the State acquired the land or who executed the instrument conveying the land to the State.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>“Former owner” includes a decedent’s:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Surviving spouse, as defined in § 1-202 of the Estates and Trusts Article; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Child, as defined in § 1-205 of the Estates and Trusts Article.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, the Administration may, after giving notice to the Maryland Department of Planning and with the approval of the Board of Public Works, convey any of its surplus land if the conveyance will promote economic development in the State of Maryland.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Prior to conveying land in accordance with paragraph (2) of this subsection, the Administration shall notify the former owner of that person’s right to reacquire the land.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Within 45 days after the notice to the former owner by the Administration that the land is not needed and is available for reacquisition, the former owner may notify the Administration of its intent to exercise the right to reacquire the land in accordance with this subsection.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Within 45 days of the notice to the county or municipal corporation by the Administration that the land is not needed and is available for purchase, the county or municipal corporation in which the property is located may notify the Administration of its interest in purchasing the land.</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>The right of a former owner to reacquire land under this subsection:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Is not assignable and may be transferred only as a result of the death of a former owner;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Is null and void unless the person or persons exercising the right tender the required payment within 60 days of the approval of the sale by the Board of Public Works to that person or persons; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Shall take precedence over the right of the county or municipal corporation to acquire the land in the event both the former owner and the county or municipal corporation notify the Administration of their intent to purchase.</text> </level> </level> <level label="7"> <level label="i"> <text>The Administration may negotiate the sale of land to be conveyed under this section.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>In determining the consideration to be paid for the land, the Administration shall consider:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The appraised value of the land; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The economic benefits to the State of the proposed development of the property.</text> </level> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The consideration may include payment in cash or exchange of privately or publicly owned land.</text> </level> </level> <level label="8"> <text>The notification and disposition provisions contained in this section do not apply to a conveyance made under this subsection.</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>Land conveyed under this subsection shall be subject to local zoning laws.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-310" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Acquisition and Disposition of Property"> <level label="a"> <text>In this section, “Board” means the State Highway Access Valuation Board.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The Secretary shall establish a State Highway Access Valuation Board in the Administration.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Board shall consist of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The Administrator or the Administrator’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The Secretary of the Department of Planning or the Secretary’s designee; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The Secretary of Commerce or the Secretary’s designee.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Administrator or the Administrator’s designee shall serve as chairman of the Board.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The Board shall determine the times and locations of its meetings and shall conduct business in accordance with procedures established by the Board.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>A member of the Board:</text> <level label="i"> <text>May not receive compensation as a member of the Board; but</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget.</text> </level> </level> <level label="6"> <text>The Administration shall provide staff to the Board.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>This subsection does not apply to an interstate highway.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If an owner of property that abuts a State highway where the State owns control of access seeks to purchase a right of access to the highway, the owner may petition the Administration to sell to the owner a right of access.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Within 60 days of receiving a petition under paragraph (2) of this subsection, the Administration shall act on the petition.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The Administration shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Approve the granting of the right to access the State highway, the terms governing access, and, if available at the time, the cost of the right of access; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Deny the petition, citing the Administration’s reasons for denial.</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <text>If the Administration is willing to grant access to a State highway to the owner of abutting property but is unable to determine the cost within the time required under paragraph (3) of this subsection, the Administration shall inform the property owner of the cost of the right of access within 60 days after its response under paragraph (4)(i) of this subsection.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>If a petitioner is not satisfied with the decision of the Administration on the cost of the right of access under subsection (c)(4) or (5) of this section, the owner may appeal the Administration’s decision to the Board.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>Following receipt of an appeal under subsection (d) of this section, the Board shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Review the appeal and request any documentation that the Board considers necessary to fully consider the property owner’s request to purchase the right of access and the Administration’s response;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Hold at least one public hearing on the appeal of the property owner and response of the Administration; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Evaluate the appeal in terms of the impact that a grant of access rights would have on economic development, environmental protection, and other policy considerations that the Board considers relevant.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>At any time following the public hearing, but within 6 months of the date of the petition, the Board shall render a final decision on the appeal.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Board may affirm, reverse, or modify the decision of the Administration on the cost of the right of access from which the property owner appealed.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Board may include the terms of the sale related to the cost of the right of access in its decision on the cost of the right of access.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>A decision by the Board under this subsection:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Shall be based on the record developed by the Board;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Shall require the affirmative vote of at least two members of the Board; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Notwithstanding any other provision of law, shall be binding on the Administration, but subject to approval of the Board of Public Works.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-312" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Acquisition and Disposition of Property"> <level label="a"> <text>The purposes of acquisition specified in this part are in addition to any others specified by law.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Unless otherwise expressly provided in this part, property acquired for any purpose specified in this part may be acquired by any of the means authorized by § 8-302 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-313" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Acquisition and Disposition of Property"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>Any land may be acquired under this subtitle for any State highway construction purpose.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any land along or near any State highway may be acquired under this subtitle:</text> <level label="i"> <text>To protect the highway or any scenery along or near it;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>For landscaping the highway;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>To provide parking and service areas along the highway; or</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>For any similar purpose.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Land may not be acquired under this section by condemnation unless the Administration determines that the land is needed for immediate or proposed construction of a State highway or a related parking or service area. However, land may be acquired for a related parking or service area only if it is adjacent to a controlled access highway.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>A motel, restaurant, or gasoline or automobile service station may not be operated or permitted by the Administration or by any other agency or political subdivision of this State on any highway or related parking or service area the land for which was acquired under this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>This subsection does not apply to any toll highway.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The interests in land that may be acquired under this section include easements restricting or subjecting to administrative regulation the right of the owner or other persons to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Erect buildings or other structures;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Construct a private drive or road;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Remove or destroy shrubbery or trees;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Place trash or unsightly or offensive material on the land; or</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Display signs, billboards, or advertisements on the land.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>If any land is acquired under this section, the instrument conveying the land shall set forth clearly the specific restrictions or other interests acquired. These restrictions shall run with the land to which they apply and bind all subsequent holders, except as the instrument otherwise expressly provides.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-314" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Acquisition and Disposition of Property"> <level label="a"> <text>The purposes of this section are:</text> <level label="1"> <text>To promote the public safety, convenience, and enjoyment of travel on and protect the public investment in the highways of this State;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>To restore, preserve, and enhance scenic beauty along these highways; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>To enable this State to receive from and spend the nonmatching funds provided by the federal government under Title 23 of the United States Code.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>For the purposes specified in subsection (a) of this section, land may be acquired under this subtitle as the Administration considers necessary:</text> <level label="1"> <text>To restore, preserve, or enhance scenic beauty along federal-aid highways in this State; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>To construct publicly owned and controlled rest and recreation areas and sanitary and other facilities along the highway as necessary to accommodate the traveling public.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-315" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Acquisition and Disposition of Property"> <level label="a"> <text>Even if not needed for highway purposes, property along controlled access highways may be acquired under this subtitle if:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The property is cut off from suitable access to a public highway because of the construction or reconstruction of any controlled access highway; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The property is needed to provide a right-of-way or entrance to a public highway from any property that has been denied access to a public highway because of the construction or reconstruction of a controlled access highway.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Property may be acquired under this subtitle for a highway beautification project as specified in Subtitles 7 and 8 of this title, by the means and for the purposes specified in those subtitles.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-318" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Acquisition and Disposition of Property"> <level label="a"> <text>If property is to be condemned under this subtitle for a highway purpose, the Administration shall request the Commission to condemn the necessary property under this part. However, if the Commission considers the procedures of this part inappropriate, the property may be condemned by the Commission under Part IV of this subtitle or by the Administration under Title 12 of the Real Property Article.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Except as provided in this part, condemnation proceedings under this part shall follow the procedures set forth in Title 12 of the Real Property Article and the Maryland Rules.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-319" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Acquisition and Disposition of Property"> <text>Property may be acquired under this part for a State highway only if the highway has:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Each of its termini within an area in this State that the Administration recognizes as a principal traffic generating center;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Each of its termini at or near a public highway in this State;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>One terminus within an area in this State that the Administration recognizes as a principal traffic generating center and the other terminus at or near a public highway in this State; or</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>One terminus within an area in this State that the Administration recognizes as a principal traffic generating center or at or near a public highway in this State and the other terminus at the boundary of another state connecting with a highway recognized by the Administration as a principal traffic distribution, collection, or dispersal artery.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-320" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Acquisition and Disposition of Property"> <level label="a"> <text>Before any property is condemned under this part, the Administration shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Complete appropriate engineering and other studies; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Prepare a construction plan that shows:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The location of the highway to be constructed, improved, or reconstructed;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The length of the construction; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The width of the right-of-way necessary for the construction.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>After preparing the construction plan, the Administration shall prepare plats that include:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The construction plan;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The fee simple and easement area to be acquired, by showing:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The centerline of the construction;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The length and termini of the construction; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The width of the necessary right-of-way on either side of the centerline; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>According to information obtained by the Administration, the property lines of the property owners whose property will be affected by the acquisition.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>After the plats are prepared, the Administration shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Make the engineering and real estate studies, evaluations, and investigations necessary to determine, in its opinion:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The fair value of the property to be acquired; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The fair compensation for any resulting damages to the remaining property of the owner;</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Prepare an estimate of this fair value and fair compensation; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Provide for payment of these estimated amounts as required by § 8-323 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-321" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Acquisition and Disposition of Property"> <level label="a"> <text>The plats and estimates prepared by the Administration require approval by a resolution of the Commission.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>If the plats and estimates are approved by the Commission:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The Chairman of the Commission shall sign the cover sheet of each set of plats; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A set of plats and its signed cover sheet shall be filed for record with:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The secretary of the Commission; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The State Archives.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The secretary of the Commission shall record the plats filed with him.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Plats filed with the State Archives shall be electronically recorded as provided in § 9-1011 of the State Government Article.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-322" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Acquisition and Disposition of Property"> <level label="a"> <text>The plats and estimates approved by the Commission shall be kept as part of the permanent records of the Commission.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Notwithstanding any other statute to the contrary:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Except as permitted by the Commission, the plats prepared by the Administration are not public information or open to public inspection until they have been recorded; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Except when filed with a board of property review or a court, the estimates prepared by the Administration are not public information or open to public inspection until all the property shown on the plats has been acquired or its price determined.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-323" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Acquisition and Disposition of Property"> <level label="a"> <text>After the plats are filed for record, the Commission immediately shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>File, in the court for the county in which the property to be acquired is located, a petition for condemnation that includes:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The name and address of the property owner;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The location of the property to be acquired; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The estimated fair value of the property to be acquired and estimated fair compensation for any damage resulting to the remaining property of the owner; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Pay to the owner of the property or into the court for the owner’s benefit, the estimated fair value and fair compensation specified in the petition.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>On written request to the clerk of the court, the property owner is entitled to receive any amount paid into the court for the property owner’s benefit, within 10 business days of the request, without prejudice to any of the property owner’s rights, if the property owner agrees to repay to the Commission any excess of that amount over the final award that is allowed in the subsequent condemnation proceedings.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A payment made under this section does not limit in any way the amount of the final award that may be allowed in the subsequent condemnation proceedings.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-324" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Acquisition and Disposition of Property"> <level label="a"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, after the petition is filed and payment is made under § 8-323 of this subtitle:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The Commission may take possession of the property to be acquired, as shown on the recorded plats;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Administration may proceed with construction without interference by the owner; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>With the permission of the Administration and under its supervision, any public or private utility may install its facilities on any land being acquired by the Commission in fee simple.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Unless the owner agrees otherwise, if a dwelling or place of business is taken, the resident or occupant need not vacate the dwelling or place of business until the title to the property has been acquired by deed or condemnation.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-325" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Acquisition and Disposition of Property"> <level label="a"> <text>After the petition is filed and payment is made under § 8-323 of this subtitle, the Commission shall seek to acquire the property by amicable negotiation.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>For purposes of these negotiations, the Commission shall determine the value of the property to be acquired as of the date the payment is made to the property owner or into court under § 8-323 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-326" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Acquisition and Disposition of Property"> <level label="a"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, if the Commission is unable to acquire the property by negotiation, it shall certify the case to the board of property review for the county in which the property is located, as provided in the Maryland Rules.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A case shall be filed as a condemnation case in the court for the county in which the property is located and may not be heard by a board of property review if:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The Commission determines that valid, marketable title is unobtainable without a court proceeding; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A nonresident has an interest in the property and will not accept service of process and agree to the board’s jurisdiction.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-327" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Acquisition and Disposition of Property"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>There is a board of property review in each county.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If necessary, additional boards may be appointed in any county.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>Each board of property review of a county has three members who are appointed by the judges of the circuit court for the county.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Of the members of each board:</text> <level label="i"> <text>One shall be a lawyer;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>One shall be a farmer engaged in some agricultural pursuit; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>One shall be an engineer or a person with an engineering background and knowledge.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A member of the General Assembly may not be a member of a board during his term of office.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>Each board member serves for a term of 2 years and until his successor is appointed and qualifies.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A member appointed to fill a vacancy in an unexpired term serves only for the remainder of that term.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>A board member is entitled to the per diem compensation set by the Supreme Court of Maryland. The compensation shall be uniform statewide and shall be paid monthly by the Commission, on vouchers approved by the clerk of the court.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>Each board shall appoint its chairman and may adopt rules not inconsistent with this title or the Maryland Rules.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>Each county shall provide a suitable place for its board to meet and, whenever possible, the clerk of the court shall provide suitable clerical assistance. If the clerk fails to provide clerical assistance, the Administration shall provide it on request of the board.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>Each board is under the jurisdiction of the court and each member of the board is an officer of the court.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-328" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Acquisition and Disposition of Property"> <level label="a"> <text>Each board of property review:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Shall hear promptly all cases certified to it by the Commission;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Shall determine the total amount of the award to be paid by the Commission; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>May determine the portion of an award to be paid to persons, other than the fee owner, who have an interest in the property.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Unless all parties in a case certified to a board agree otherwise, the full board shall hear and decide the case. If a member of the board is absent or disqualified from hearing or deciding any case, the judges of the court that appointed the board shall designate another individual with qualifications similar to those of the absent or disqualified member to serve instead.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The board shall determine the fair value of the property to be acquired as of the date payment is made under § 8-323 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-329" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Acquisition and Disposition of Property"> <text>If any party is dissatisfied with the findings or award of a board of property review, the case may be appealed to the court. On appeal, the court shall hear and determine the case de novo, as provided by law and the Maryland Rules.</text> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-330" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Acquisition and Disposition of Property"> <text>If, within 1 year after payment is made under § 8-323 of this subtitle, the Commission fails to ascertain the entire amount to be paid for the property and acquire title to it by deed or condemnation or, within that same 1-year period, fails to file timely a petition for condemnation as required by the Maryland Rules, then the fair value of the property shall be the greater of the values determined as of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The date the title to the property is acquired; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The date the payment was made under § 8-323 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-331" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Acquisition and Disposition of Property"> <text>At the conclusion of all proceedings, the Commission shall pay to the property owner:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Any excess of the final award over the amount paid under § 8-323 of this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Interest on the excess from the date of payment under § 8-323 of this subtitle at the rate of 6 percent a year.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-334" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Acquisition and Disposition of Property"> <level label="a"> <text>If the Commission determines that condemnation under Part III of this subtitle is inappropriate, the Commission may acquire property by condemnation under this part, after making every reasonable and good faith effort to negotiate.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Except as provided in this part, condemnation proceedings under this part shall follow the procedures set forth in Title 12 of the Real Property Article and the Maryland Rules.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-335" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Acquisition and Disposition of Property"> <text>To condemn property under this part, the Commission shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>File a petition for condemnation in the court for the county in which the property to be acquired is located; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Pay to the owner of the property or into the court for the owner’s benefit, the amount that the Commission estimates to be the fair value of the property to be acquired and fair compensation for any damage resulting to the remaining property of the owner.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-336" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Acquisition and Disposition of Property"> <text>After the petition is filed and payment is made under § 8-335 of this subtitle:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The Commission may take possession of the property to be acquired; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Administration may proceed with construction without interference by the owner.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-337" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Acquisition and Disposition of Property"> <text>On written request to the clerk of the court, the property owner is entitled to receive any amount paid into the court for the property owner’s benefit within 10 business days of the request, without prejudice to any of the property owner’s rights, if the property owner agrees to repay to the Commission any excess of that amount over the final award that is allowed in the subsequent condemnation proceedings.</text> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-338" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Acquisition and Disposition of Property"> <text>A payment made under § 8-335 of this subtitle does not limit in any way the amount of the final award that may be allowed in the subsequent condemnation proceedings.</text> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-339" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Acquisition and Disposition of Property"> <text>At the conclusion of all proceedings, the Commission shall pay to the property owner any excess of the final award over the amount paid under § 8-335 of this subtitle.</text> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-401" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Highway User Revenues"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“County” does not include Baltimore City.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Debt service” means the amount annually needed to pay the maturing principal of and interest on bonds, notes, and other evidences of obligation and to meet sinking fund requirements for these purposes.</text> </level> <level label="c–1"> <text>“Eligible municipality” means a municipality authorized by law to construct or maintain streets or roads.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Highway user revenues” means the capital grants appropriated to Baltimore City, counties, and municipalities under § 8–403(b) of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Municipality” means any municipal corporation, special taxing district, or other political subdivision of this State other than a county or Baltimore City.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-402" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Highway User Revenues"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a Gasoline and Motor Vehicle Revenue Account in the Transportation Trust Fund.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>All revenues collected from the following, after deductions provided by law, shall be credited to the Gasoline and Motor Vehicle Revenue Account:</text> <level label="1"> <text>All of the motor vehicle fuel tax;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Except as otherwise provided by law, two–thirds of the revenue from the vehicle titling tax, excluding revenue attributable to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A vehicle titling tax rate in excess of 6%; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The vehicle titling tax imposed on rental vehicles under § 13–809(c)(1)(ii) of this article;</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Except for revenues collected under Title 13, Subtitle 9, Parts III and IV of this article, vehicle registration fees;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The revenue disbursed to this Account under § 2–614 of the Tax – General Article; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>80% of the funds distributed on short–term vehicle rentals under § 2–1302.1 of the Tax – General Article to the Transportation Trust Fund from the sales and use tax.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>For fiscal year 2020 and each fiscal year thereafter, revenue credited to the Account shall be used as provided in § 3–216 of this article.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-403" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Highway User Revenues"> <level label="a"> <text>Subject to subsection (c) of this section, for fiscal years 2020 through 2023, capital grants shall be appropriated from the Transportation Trust Fund as provided in § 3–216 of this article based on the following calculations:</text> <level label="1"> <text>An amount equal to 8.3% of funds credited to the Gasoline and Motor Vehicle Revenue Account shall be appropriated to Baltimore City;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An amount equal to 3.2% of funds credited to the Gasoline and Motor Vehicle Revenue Account shall be appropriated to the counties to be distributed as provided in § 8–404 of this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>An amount equal to 2.0% of funds credited to the Gasoline and Motor Vehicle Revenue Account shall be appropriated to the municipalities to be distributed as provided in § 8–405 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Subject to subsection (c) of this section, capital grants shall be appropriated from the Transportation Trust Fund as provided in § 3–216 of this article based on the following calculations:</text> <level label="1"> <text>For fiscal year 2024:</text> <level label="i"> <text>An amount equal to 9.5% of funds credited to the Gasoline and Motor Vehicle Revenue Account shall be appropriated to Baltimore City;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>An amount equal to 3.7% of funds credited to the Gasoline and Motor Vehicle Revenue Account shall be appropriated to the counties to be distributed as provided in § 8–404 of this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>An amount equal to 2.4% of funds credited to the Gasoline and Motor Vehicle Revenue Account shall be appropriated to the municipalities to be distributed as provided in § 8–405 of this subtitle;</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>For fiscal year 2025:</text> <level label="i"> <text>An amount equal to 11% of funds credited to the Gasoline and Motor Vehicle Revenue Account shall be appropriated to Baltimore City;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>An amount equal to 4.3% of funds credited to the Gasoline and Motor Vehicle Revenue Account shall be appropriated to the counties to be distributed as provided in § 8–404 of this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>An amount equal to 2.7% of funds credited to the Gasoline and Motor Vehicle Revenue Account shall be appropriated to the municipalities to be distributed as provided in § 8–405 of this subtitle;</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>For fiscal year 2026:</text> <level label="i"> <text>An amount equal to 12.2% of funds credited to the Gasoline and Motor Vehicle Revenue Account shall be appropriated to Baltimore City;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>An amount equal to 4.8% of funds credited to the Gasoline and Motor Vehicle Revenue Account shall be appropriated to the counties to be distributed as provided in § 8–404 of this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>An amount equal to 3.0% of funds credited to the Gasoline and Motor Vehicle Revenue Account shall be appropriated to the municipalities to be distributed as provided in § 8–405 of this subtitle;</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>For fiscal year 2027:</text> <level label="i"> <text>An amount equal to 12.2% of funds credited to the Gasoline and Motor Vehicle Revenue Account shall be appropriated to Baltimore City;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>An amount equal to 4.8% of funds credited to the Gasoline and Motor Vehicle Revenue Account shall be appropriated to the counties to be distributed as provided in § 8–404 of this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>An amount equal to 3.0% of funds credited to the Gasoline and Motor Vehicle Revenue Account shall be appropriated to the municipalities to be distributed as provided in § 8–405 of this subtitle; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <text>For fiscal year 2028 and each fiscal year thereafter:</text> <level label="i"> <text>An amount equal to 9.5% of funds credited to the Gasoline and Motor Vehicle Revenue Account shall be appropriated to Baltimore City;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>An amount equal to 3.7% of funds credited to the Gasoline and Motor Vehicle Revenue Account shall be appropriated to the counties to be distributed as provided in § 8–404 of this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>An amount equal to 2.4% of funds credited to the Gasoline and Motor Vehicle Revenue Account shall be appropriated to the municipalities to be distributed as provided in § 8–405 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The capital grants made under this subtitle shall be appropriated only if all debt service requirements and departmental operating expenses have been funded and sufficient funds are available to fund the capital program.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-404" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Highway User Revenues"> <level label="a"> <text>Highway user revenues shall be allocated to the counties:</text> <level label="1"> <text>One half on a county road mileage basis, as provided in subsection (b)(1) of this section; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>One half on a motor vehicle registration basis, as provided in subsection (b)(2) of this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Administration shall allocate for the account of each county, out of the highway user revenues to be distributed to the counties under § 8–403 of this subtitle, the county’s share, to be determined by adding:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The amount that results from applying to one half of these highway user revenues the ratio that, as of December 1 of the preceding calendar year, the total mileage of county roads in the county, not including the total mileage of county roads in eligible municipalities in the county, bears to the total mileage of county roads in all of the counties, not including the total mileage of county roads in eligible municipalities in the State; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The amount that results from applying to one half of these highway user revenues the ratio that, as of December 1 of the preceding calendar year, the total number of motor vehicles registered to owners having addresses in the county, not including motor vehicles registered to owners having addresses in eligible municipalities in the county, bears to the total number of motor vehicles registered to owners in all the counties, not including motor vehicles registered to owners having addresses in eligible municipalities in the State.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-405" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Highway User Revenues"> <level label="a"> <text>An eligible municipality may request its share of the highway user revenues provided under this subtitle from the Administration. The request shall be made in writing at least 6 months before the start of the fiscal year in which the funds are desired.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Highway user revenues shall be allocated to the eligible municipalities:</text> <level label="1"> <text>One half on a municipal road mileage basis, as provided in subsection (c)(1) of this section; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>One half on a motor vehicle registration basis, as provided in subsection (c)(2) of this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Administration shall allocate for the account of each eligible municipality, out of the highway user revenues to be distributed to the municipalities under § 8–403 of this subtitle the eligible municipality’s share, to be determined by adding:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The amount that results from applying to one half of the available revenues the ratio that, as of December 1 of the preceding calendar year, the total mileage of county roads in the eligible municipality bears to the total mileage of county roads located in eligible municipalities in the State; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The amount that results from applying to one half of the available revenues the ratio that, as of December 1 of the preceding calendar year, the total number of motor vehicles registered to owners having addresses in the eligible municipality bears to the total number of motor vehicles registered to owners having addresses in eligible municipalities in the State.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>For purposes of the mileage formula distributions under this section, each special improvement district in Prince George’s County in existence in January, 1953, shall be treated as a municipality, but the amounts distributed shall be:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Paid to the county and retained by it as credits to the district; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Applied to the cost of maintaining the streets and roads in the district so long as the district has any indebtedness.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-406" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Highway User Revenues"> <level label="a"> <text>A distribution of highway user revenues may not be made to any county, municipality, or Baltimore City unless the local government in its current fiscal year certifies to the Administration that revenues will be used in compliance with all applicable laws.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>If any highway user revenues otherwise distributable under this subtitle are not distributed by the close of the fiscal year of the county, municipality, or Baltimore City because the local government failed to make the required certification, these highway user revenues shall revert to the Transportation Trust Fund.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The county governments and other local authorities are relieved from the requirements of existing local law for levying a minimum amount or rate for road maintenance, and the portions of all public local laws making any such requirement are suspended.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Secretary of the Department of Transportation may reduce highway user revenues to each appropriate local governing body in the following fiscal year by the specific amount of the cost necessary to correct individual instances of noncompliance concerning State standards of uniformity for traffic control devices.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-407" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Highway User Revenues"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>If a county’s or municipality’s road construction, reconstruction, or maintenance is performed by the Administration, the county’s or municipality’s share of highway user revenues shall be credited to the account of the Administration to be spent on warrants of the State Comptroller.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If a county has paid any debt service on bonds or other evidences of obligation issued by a municipality in the county for the construction, reconstruction, or maintenance of roads or streets, an amount sufficient to reimburse the county for these payments shall be paid to the county from the municipality’s share of highway user revenues.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>In all other cases, a county’s or municipality’s share of highway user revenues shall be paid to or on the order of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The proper official of the county or municipality designated by local law; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>If no designation is made, the county or municipality.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Payments of a county’s or municipality’s share of highway user revenues shall be made:</text> <level label="1"> <text>At monthly intervals; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>At other appropriate times reasonably requested.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-408" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Highway User Revenues"> <level label="a"> <text>Highway user revenues distributed to Baltimore City and Kent County may be used only to pay or finance:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Costs incurred in the construction, reconstruction, or maintenance of its highways and streets;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>As to Baltimore City, costs incurred for carrying out traffic functions and enforcing the traffic laws; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>As to Kent County, costs incurred by its police department for carrying out traffic functions and enforcing the traffic laws;</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Costs incurred in its other highway related activities for:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Lighting the highways;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Stormwater drainage of the highways; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Street cleaning, but not including the cost of collection of garbage, trash, and refuse;</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The payment of its debt service on bonds or other evidences of obligation for:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The construction, reconstruction, or maintenance of its highways and streets; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Any other of its highway activities, including lighting the highways and providing stormwater drainage;</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The cost of transportation facilities, as defined in § 3–101 of this article; or</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>As to Kent County:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The cost of maintaining county owned boat landings; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Costs incurred in providing traffic crossing guards.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The net share of highway user revenues distributed for a county other than Kent County may be used only:</text> <level label="1"> <text>First, to pay debt service on outstanding bonds or other evidences of obligation issued before June 1, 1947, by or for the county or any municipality in the county to finance construction, reconstruction, or maintenance of roads or streets, to the extent that gasoline tax revenues have been lawfully dedicated, pledged, or otherwise committed to that debt service, so that the dedication, pledge, or commitment remains unimpaired and continues as a charge against the county’s share of the gasoline tax to the same extent that it was a charge against any gasoline tax revenues under prior laws; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Then, as to the remainder of the county’s share, to pay or finance:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The cost of transportation facilities, as defined in § 3–101 of this article;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>For Talbot County, maintenance of private roads as authorized in § 12–539 of the Local Government Article;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The construction, reconstruction, or maintenance of county roads; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Debt service on bonds or other evidences of obligation that, for the construction, reconstruction, or maintenance of county roads, are lawfully issued on or after June 1, 1947, by or for the county or by or for a municipality in the county that is not receiving its own share under § 8–407 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The net share of highway user revenues distributed for a municipality may be used only to pay or finance:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The cost of transportation facilities, as defined in § 3–101 of this article;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The construction, reconstruction, or maintenance of roads or streets; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Debt service on bonds or other evidences of obligation lawfully issued by or for the municipality for the construction, reconstruction, or maintenance of roads or streets.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-409" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Highway User Revenues"> <level label="a"> <text>It is the policy of this State that bicycle trails are important and their construction is encouraged wherever feasible.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>To establish and maintain footpaths, bridle paths or horse trails, and bicycle trails:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Baltimore City, any county, or any municipality that receives highway user revenues may spend a reasonable part of its net share for these purposes; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Administration, Baltimore City, any county, or any municipality that receives highway user revenues may credit a part of them to a financial reserve or a special fund to be used within 10 years for these purposes.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Highway user revenues may not be used for footpaths, bridle paths or horse trails, or bicycle trails if:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Their establishment would be contrary to public safety;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Their cost would be too great considering their need or probable use; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The sparseness of population, the existence of other available ways, or other factors show that there is no need for them.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>If requested by a local government, the Administration shall provide technical assistance and advice on carrying out the purposes of this section.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Administration shall recommend construction standards for footpaths, bridle paths or horse trails, and bicycle trails and shall establish a uniform system of signs for all the footpaths, bridle paths or horse trails, and bicycle trails constructed under this section, whether construction is undertaken by the Administration or by the local government.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>Unless the Administration or local government specifically approves other uses, as provided in subsection (g) of this section, footpaths and bicycle trails may be used only by:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Pedestrians;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Nonmotorized vehicles;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Electric personal assistive mobility devices, as defined in § 21–101(j) of this article; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Personal delivery devices, as defined in § 21–104.5 of this article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>Unless the Administration or local government specifically approves other uses, as provided in subsection (g) of this section, bridle paths or horse trails may be used only by pedestrians, horses, or horse drawn vehicles.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>If the Administration or local government specifically approves the use of footpaths and bicycle trails by other than pedestrians and nonmotorized vehicles, or of bridle paths or horse trails by other than pedestrians, horses, or horse drawn vehicles, the Administration or local government shall post signs on the paths or trails indicating the uses specifically approved.</text> </level> <level label="h"> <text>A person may not operate a moped on a footpath, bicycle trail, bridle path, or horse trail unless the path or trail is posted with signs in accordance with subsection (g) of this section specifically approving the use of mopeds.</text> </level> <level label="i"> <text>Notwithstanding the provisions of this subsection, the use of footpaths and bicycle trails shall be denied to sports cycles, trail bikes, and minibikes.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-410" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Highway User Revenues"> <text>A road or street may not be constructed or reconstructed by a county or municipality under § 8-408 of this subtitle unless the Administration first has approved the proposed location, plans, and specifications for the construction or reconstruction. Approval shall be granted if, in the Administration’s judgment, the road or street, when constructed or reconstructed, will be reasonably adequate and appropriate to an existing or potential integrated secondary highway system.</text> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-411" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Highway User Revenues"> <level label="a"> <text>The purpose of this section is to enable the Administration to make the computations required by this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>On or before December 31 of each year, each municipality that has requested its share of highway user revenues and each county shall make a report to the Administration in the form that it requires. This report shall show the mileage of county roads added to or removed from the county road system in the county or municipality during the 12 months ending on December 1 of that year.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Motor Vehicle Administration and each county shall give the Administration any other information that the Administration requires for purposes of this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-412" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Highway User Revenues"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>On or before January 1 of each year, Baltimore City, each county, and each eligible municipality that received highway user revenues in the preceding fiscal year shall submit to the Administration an accounting report that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Shows the actual costs of the preceding fiscal year;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Shows the expenditure budget of the current fiscal year;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>As to items (i) and (ii) of this paragraph, accurately identifies the costs for specific projects authorized in § 8–408 or § 8–409 of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Shows the amount of funds diverted from the general fund of the county or municipality to pay for specific projects authorized in § 8–408 or § 8–409 of this subtitle during the preceding fiscal year; and</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Lists specific projects authorized in § 8–408 or § 8–409 of this subtitle that have been delayed due to a lack of funding.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>On or before December 1 of each year, the Administration shall provide Baltimore City, each county, and each eligible municipality with an electronic copy of an accounting report form to be used to submit the information reported under paragraph (1) of this subsection.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Administration shall compile, summarize, and analyze the information reported by Baltimore City and each county and municipality under subsection (a)(1) of this section in a single report that the Administration shall submit, on or before February 1 of each year, to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee, the House Appropriations Committee, the House Environment and Transportation Committee, and the House Ways and Means Committee.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Administration may not make a disbursement of highway user revenues under § 8–407 of this subtitle to any jurisdiction that has not submitted a report to the Administration as required under subsection (a)(1) of this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-413" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Highway User Revenues"> <text>Within 45 days after the end of each month, the Administration shall send to each county and Baltimore City a statement that shows, segregated according to the classifications adopted for its records:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The expenditures made from the highway user revenue funds allocated for each of the counties and Baltimore City and held by the Administration;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The purposes for which the expenditures were made, such as for construction, reconstruction, or maintenance of county or Baltimore City roads or for debt service;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The total receipts credited in each month;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The disbursements from the Account;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The balance remaining to the credit of the county or Baltimore City at the end of each month; and</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>The amount, if any, of this balance that is encumbered and for what purpose.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-501" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Federal Highway Programs"> <text>In this subtitle, “federal acts” means:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The federal-aid highway acts of the United States Congress;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Any rule or regulation adopted under any of these acts.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-502" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Federal Highway Programs"> <text>The purpose of this subtitle is to assist the national recovery and promote the general welfare by enabling this State and its political subdivisions to provide matching funds for and secure the benefits of any federal funds available under the federal acts for the construction and reconstruction of State highways and county roads and for related State or local projects.</text> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-503" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Federal Highway Programs"> <level label="a"> <text>The General Assembly of Maryland assents to the federal acts.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Administration, for itself or for any political subdivision of this State, and each political subdivision of this State may do anything necessary or desirable to comply with any term, condition, or provision and to obtain the benefits of any of the federal acts.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Administration may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Accept any federal funds available to this State under the federal acts, for the use of this State or any of its political subdivisions;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In accordance with the federal acts, allocate and apportion these federal funds to itself and to the political subdivisions of this State;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Represent any political subdivision of this State for the purpose of negotiating, contracting, or dealing with the federal government as to construction and reconstruction under the federal acts;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Undertake all contracts, plans, specifications, and estimates relating to this construction and reconstruction; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Supervise directly the construction and reconstruction work done under the federal acts.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-504" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Federal Highway Programs"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>Each political subdivision of this State may raise funds to obtain the benefits of the federal acts by:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Issuing bonds, interim certificates, and other evidences of debt or obligation; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Taxation.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Bonds may be issued under this subsection notwithstanding any debt or other limitation set by any other law.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>If federal funds available to this State under the federal acts are allocable to a political subdivision of this State, but the political subdivision has not provided for necessary matching funds in any other manner permitted by this subtitle, the Administration, the State Treasurer, and the State Comptroller may authorize the political subdivision to use its share of highway user revenues to provide the matching funds necessary to secure these federal funds.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Notwithstanding any other provision of this title, if any federal funds available for a State highway project require matching State funds, the Administration may provide the necessary matching funds by using any State funds it is authorized by law to use for State highway projects.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-505" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Federal Highway Programs"> <level label="a"> <text>In addition to its other powers, the Administration, with funds received from the federal government or any federal agency, may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Construct, reconstruct, improve, and maintain the State highway system; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>For this purpose, as agreed to by the Administration and any affected railroad company, subject to compliance with § 8-639 of this title:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Construct, reconstruct, alter, repair, or relocate any railroad grade separation; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Otherwise eliminate any highway hazard at a railroad grade crossing.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>All federal funds accepted under this section shall be accepted and spent by the Administration on the terms and conditions that the federal government requires.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as otherwise provided by federal law, the total cost of any project undertaken with federal funds shall be borne entirely by those funds to the extent that they are available.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If federal funds for a project are insufficient or unavailable to pay the total cost of the project, the excess of the total cost over the federal funds received shall be borne as provided by law.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-506" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Federal Highway Programs"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Publicly owned utility” means a utility owned or operated by a political subdivision of this State or by a public agency created under the laws of this State.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Relocate” includes realign, raise, lower, rebuild, or remove.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, if, as a result of the construction, reconstruction, or improvement of an interstate highway, it is necessary to relocate any facility of a publicly owned utility, the Administration shall pay to the owner of the facility, without regard to the governmental function of the utility, the cost to the utility of the relocation, less any increase in the value of the new facility and the salvage value of the old facility.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Administration is required to make this payment for relocation only:</text> <level label="i"> <text>If federal funds are available to this State under §§ 108 (e) and 111 of the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956 for reimbursement of all or part of the payment; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>If the payment otherwise would be required for relocation of a facility of a nonpublicly owned utility.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The regulations and orders of the Administration:</text> <level label="1"> <text>May not prohibit or be construed to constitute a contract prohibiting any payment required by this section; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Are expressly waived to the extent necessary to authorize any payment required by this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>This section does not relieve the owner of any utility from any legal or contractual obligation to comply promptly with any order or request of the Administration to perform the work necessary to relocate its facilities.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-507" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Federal Highway Programs"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Municipality” means any municipal corporation in this State that is entitled to receive federal-aid urban funds.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Urban area” means an area with boundaries fixed by the Administration that includes and is adjacent to a municipality or other urban place having a population of at least 5,000, as determined by the latest federal census.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>There is a County Highway Construction Fund in the Transportation Trust Fund.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>There is a Municipality-Urban Area Highway Construction Fund in the Transportation Trust Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>In accordance with this section and Part II of Title 7, Subtitle 2 of the State Finance and Procurement Article, and with the consent of the Secretary, the Administration in any fiscal year may allocate from the Transportation Trust Fund:</text> <level label="1"> <text>To the County Highway Construction Fund, an amount equal to the amount of federal-aid secondary highway funds that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Are available to the Administration from the Federal Highway Administration;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Are allocated by the Administration to the counties; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The counties later release to the Administration for use on the State highway system; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>To the Municipality-Urban Area Highway Construction Fund, with the approval of the releasing municipalities or urban areas, an amount equal to the amount of federal-aid urban highway funds that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Are available to the Administration from the Federal Highway Administration;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Are allocated by the Administration to the municipalities and urban areas; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The municipalities or urban areas later release to the Administration for use on the State highway system.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>The Administration may apportion the amounts in each fund.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Each county, municipality, or urban area that participates in a program under this section shall furnish matching construction amounts.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The County Highway Construction Fund, the Municipality-Urban Area Highway Construction Fund, and the matching amounts required by this section may be spent only for highway construction and reconstruction under rules and regulations adopted by the Administration.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-508" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Federal Highway Programs"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Board” means the Governor’s Workforce Development Board.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Highway or capital transit construction” means actual construction, preliminary engineering, planning and research, or any other work or activity to implement federal laws for the administration of federal aid for highways or capital transit projects.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>“Workforce development area” has the meaning stated in § 11–503(n) of the Labor and Employment Article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Department shall use the maximum feasible amount of federal funds available to the State under 23 U.S.C. § 140(b) to develop, conduct, and administer highway or capital transit construction training and supportive services, including skill improvement programs.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Department shall administer the training programs under subsection (b) of this section in collaboration with the Board to ensure that highway or capital transit construction training and supportive services are provided to the greatest extent feasible to individuals in each relevant workforce development area.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-601" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Construction and Maintenance"> <level label="a"> <text>The Administration shall construct, reconstruct, and repair State highways as necessary and shall maintain them in good condition.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Department may not spend any further funds for the construction of I-95 through Prince George’s County that will involve a new or reconstructed segment connecting it to any other highway in Prince George’s County. The Department may not spend any further funds for the construction of a new highway, arterial, freeway, or expressway in the lands between Viers Mill Road and Northwest Branch described in the 1980 highway needs inventory as the right-of-way reserved for the Rockville Facility in Montgomery County, including the area designated as the Matthew Henson State Park under § 5-1004 of the Natural Resources Article.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>This prohibition does not preclude construction in the right-of-way designated as the Rockville Facility of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Roadway crossings to facilitate traffic flow and highway safety; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A hiker/biker trail in the lands between Viers Mill Road and Northwest Branch.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-601.1" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Construction and Maintenance"> <level label="a"> <text>The Administration may not construct any project that will result in the severance or destruction of an existing major route for bicycle transportation traffic, unless the project provides for construction of a reasonable alternative route or such a route already exists.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Administration shall develop guidelines jointly with local governments to carry out the provisions of this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-602" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Construction and Maintenance"> <level label="a"> <text>The Administration shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Keep all State highways reasonably clear of brush, snow, and other debris; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Remove from a State highway, as soon as its presence is made known to the Administration, any animal carcass that will impede traffic or substantially endanger the safety of the traveling public.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>In removing snow from highways in Garrett County, the Administration:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Shall avoid blocking completely the entrance to any home or business adjacent to the highway; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>May not throw or pile snow against any building in any way that interferes with the use of the building by its owner or occupant.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If, in unusual circumstances, the entrance to any home or business is blocked in the course of snow removal, the Administration shall unblock the entrance within a reasonable time.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <text>In this subsection the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>“Farm truck” has the meaning stated in § 13–921 of this article.</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>“Local state of emergency” means a local state of emergency declared under § 14–111 of the Public Safety Article.</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>“State of emergency” means a state of emergency declared under § 14–107 of the Public Safety Article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In the event of a state of emergency or a local state of emergency, including snow, hurricane, windstorm, or a similar event, the Administration may request that the owner of a farm truck allow the Administration to use the farm truck to assist in snow removal.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The owner of a farm truck may refuse a request made under paragraph (2) of this subsection to allow the Administration to use the farm truck.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The owner of a farm truck may not allow the farm truck to be used under this subsection to assist in snow removal outside of the county in which the farm truck is registered.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The Administration shall compensate the owner of a farm truck that is used by the Administration for snow removal.</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>This subsection applies only if the farm truck meets the following minimum requirements:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The farm truck passed its most recent inspection under § 23–302 of this article;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The operator of the farm truck possesses a valid commercial driver’s license and a current medical card;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The owner of the farm truck meets minimum insurance requirements; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>The farm truck uses ultra–low sulfur diesel fuel while being used to assist the Administration in snow removal.</text> </level> </level> <level label="7"> <text>The Administration may adopt regulations to carry out the provisions of this subsection.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-602.1" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Construction and Maintenance"> <level label="a"> <text>The General Assembly finds that the use of best management practices for the storage, application, and disposal of road salt is necessary to reduce the adverse impacts on the water and land resources of the State by preventing:</text> <level label="1"> <text>An increase in chloride concentrations in the soils and waters of the State; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Harm to soil integrity, soil organisms, and vegetation.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The General Assembly intends, by enactment of this section, to reduce to the greatest extent possible the adverse effects of road salt runoff and to safeguard life, limb, property, and public welfare.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>On or before October 1, 2011, the Administration, in consultation with the Department of the Environment, shall develop a road salt management best practices guidance document for use by local jurisdictions and the State to minimize the adverse environmental impacts of road salt runoff in the State.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Administration shall annually update the guidance document required under subsection (c) of this section and shall make the document available to the public on the Administration’s Web site.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>In the road salt management best practices guidance document required under this section, the Administration may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Establish best management practices that protect the environment from the negative impacts of road salt;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Identify all activities that may result in the release of road salt into the environment, including road salt storage, the application of road salt on highways, and the disposal of snow that contains road salt;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Take into consideration highway safety to the greatest extent possible;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Establish standards and procedures for identifying:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Areas that are particularly vulnerable to road salt runoff; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Additional road salt management practices that need to be implemented in these areas;</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Establish goals for achieving a reduction of the environmental impact of road salt released into the environment;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Include a training program for all State, local, and contract personnel who perform winter maintenance activities involving the use of road salt;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>Establish response procedures to address uncontrolled releases of road salt that may adversely impact the environment; and</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>Establish record keeping and annual reporting procedures for the quantity of road salt used, the locations where the road salt is used, and any training conducted.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-603" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Construction and Maintenance"> <text>If practicable, the Administration shall provide landscaping along State highways.</text> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-604" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Construction and Maintenance"> <text>The Administration may name or rename any State highway.</text> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-605" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Construction and Maintenance"> <level label="a"> <text>Along any State highway, the Administration may place signs, signals, or markers to inform the traveling public of directions, distances, danger, or other information.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the Administration shall assume the full cost of installing and maintaining traffic signals required at the intersection of a State highway with any municipal street or highway or at any other place along a State highway that is within the limits of any municipal corporation.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>This subsection does not apply where the traffic signal primarily will serve traffic generated by a private development, such as an apartment complex, shopping center, industrial plant, or drive–in theater.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Signs, signals, and markers placed along any interstate highway shall conform to all applicable federal standards.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>For the purpose of providing information to the driving public on the availability of gas, food, lodging, camping, or attractions, the Administration may place along State controlled access highways specific service signs, subject to the applicable federal standards.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>The Administration shall adopt regulations governing specific service signs.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The regulations shall conform to all applicable federal standards, and shall govern the type, lighting, size, number, and location of specific service signs.</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The Administration shall consult with:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The Maryland Travel Council prior to drafting regulations; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Department of Commerce and the appropriate local government officials concerning the placement of specific service signs under this subsection.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The business or attraction identified in a specific service sign shall pay for the full administrative and operational cost of procurement, installation, and maintenance of the sign.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>Any person who removes, damages, or defaces any sign, signal, or marker placed under this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $100.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>Except for a sign placed or maintained by the Administration or with the authorization of the Administration, a person may not place or maintain a sign or direct, consent to, or approve the placement or maintenance of a sign, within a State highway right–of–way.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>Without resort to legal proceedings, a sign placed or maintained in violation of this subsection may be removed and destroyed by the Administration, a law enforcement officer, or the government of the county or municipal corporation in which the sign was located.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The Administration or the government of the county or municipal corporation that removed or destroyed the sign may, if the sign is a commercial sign:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Collect the civil penalty provided for under paragraph (3) of this subsection from the person that placed or maintained the commercial sign; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Seek an injunction against further violations of this subsection in a civil action in the District Court.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="i"> <text>Except as provided in subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, a person that places or maintains a commercial sign within the right–of–way of a State highway in violation of this subsection is subject to a civil penalty not exceeding $25 per commercial sign placed or maintained, which, if not paid after being cited and assessed by the Administration, county, or municipal corporation, may be recovered in a civil action in the District Court by the Administration or by the county or municipal corporation in which the commercial sign was located.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A person that violates this subsection by affixing a commercial sign to a State highway sign, signal, or marker within the right–of–way of the State highway is subject to a civil penalty not exceeding $100 per commercial sign affixed.</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>As to a county or a municipal corporation in which the commercial sign was located, the civil action in the District Court may be brought by the county attorney or, if the commercial sign was located in a municipal corporation, the municipal corporation attorney.</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>The Administration, a county, or a municipal corporation:</text> <level label="1"> <text>May enforce this subsection only by the issuance of a warning for the first 3 months after initiating a sign removal program; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Shall enforce this subsection on a viewpoint and content neutral basis.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>For the purposes of enforcing this subsection, the presence of a sign within a State highway right–of–way shall be evidence that the sign was placed or maintained at the direction of, or with the consent and approval of, the person or the person’s agent or representative in the State whose name, business, location, or product representation is displayed on the sign.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The Administration, a county, or a municipal corporation shall retain any civil penalties that it collects under this subsection.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-606" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Construction and Maintenance"> <level label="a"> <text>Each State highway constructed or maintained under this title shall have a right-of-way that is at least 40 feet wide.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Each State highway that is constructed in a municipal corporation shall conform to the grade of each municipal street or highway that it crosses, as approved by the municipal authorities.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-607" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Construction and Maintenance"> <text>Subject to the provisions of Title 9, Subtitle 5 of the Correctional Services Article:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The Administration may employ incarcerated individuals, from correctional facilities in the Division of Correction, to perform reconstruction and maintenance work on any highway; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>On request of the Administration, the Division of Correction shall provide the Administration with incarcerated individuals who, in the sole judgment of the Division of Correction, can be utilized safely for this work with appropriate security.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-608" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Construction and Maintenance"> <level label="a"> <text>To eliminate the possibility of boring and jacking under a State highway and to eliminate the cost of future installation of utility facilities, the Administration, if requested by any county, shall include in the specifications for any new State highway in that county the installation of utility sleeves.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>These utility sleeves shall be:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Made of metal, reinforced concrete, or other suitable material;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Large enough to accommodate water mains, gas mains, electric lines, telephone cables, and any other utility facilities requested by the county; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Installed from right-of-way to right-of-way.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Utility sleeves installed for future use shall be bricked over at each end and marked properly by the Administration or the county.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The county shall reimburse the Administration for the cost of the utility sleeves.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-609" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Construction and Maintenance"> <level label="a"> <text>The Secretary shall implement a program to control the spread of phragmites, where appropriate:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Along the rights–of–way of the State highway system; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>On other lands that the Department owns or controls.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Department shall study and analyze the progress made in the control in the spread of phragmites on lands that the Department owns or controls.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>By December 1, 1994, and on request of the committees thereafter, the Department shall submit a report under subsections (a) and (b) of this section on the management and control of the spread of phragmites to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The Environment and Transportation Committee of the House of Delegates of Maryland; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs Committee of the Senate of Maryland.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-609.1" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Construction and Maintenance"> <text>In implementing a phragmites control program, the Secretary shall consider alternative management and control methods and employ only those determined not to have adverse water quality impacts.</text> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-609.2" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Construction and Maintenance"> <text>A bridge may not be built on a navigable river unless authorized by the Administration.</text> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-609.3" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Construction and Maintenance"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>“Compost–based product” means an item that is manufactured from compost.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>“Compost–based product” includes:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Compost berms;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Compost filter socks; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Compost blankets.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Specification” means a standard for the compost or compost–based product used by the Administration in a highway construction project, including:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Application instructions; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Compost characteristics.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>To promote the use of compost for landscaping and as a recycled material in highway construction projects in the State, the use of compost and compost–based products in highway construction projects in the State shall be a best management practice for:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Erosion and sediment control; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Postconstruction stormwater management.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Administration shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>On or before December 30, 2014, establish a specification for the acquisition and use of compost and compost–based products for:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Erosion and sediment control practices identified in the most recent Maryland Standards and Specifications for Soil Erosion and Sediment Control; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Postconstruction stormwater management practices identified in the most recent Maryland Stormwater Design Manual;</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Update the specifications established under item (1) of this subsection as necessary; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Post the specifications established under item (1) of this subsection on the Administration’s Web site.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Beginning December 1, 2015, the Administration shall report each year to the General Assembly, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, on:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The volume of compost used in State highway construction projects;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The status of compost and compost–based products used in State highway construction projects; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Recommendations to maximize the use of compost as a recycled material in State highway construction projects.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-610" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Construction and Maintenance"> <level label="a"> <text>In this part the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>“Construction phase” means the phase in which a highway project is advanced through detailed engineering, property acquisition, and construction to completion.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>This definition does not preclude the Administration from acquiring property during the project planning phase, and the completion of property acquisition does not constitute a commitment to the project’s alignment or construction.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Final project planning phase” means that portion of the project planning phase which follows the initial project planning phase. The final project planning phase includes:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Detailed review of alternatives;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Selection of final alignment and scope;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Preparation of final environmental impact documents;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Detailed design and engineering studies;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Any formal federal approval of design and location;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Full participation of the public; and</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>Full participation of local, State, and federal agencies.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Highway needs inventory” means an identification of needs for highway projects, based on the latest evaluation of highway conditions and transportation needs by the Administration.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Initial project planning phase” means that portion of the project planning phase which includes:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Notification of local, State, and federal officials;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Initial interagency review;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Initial systems planning;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Identification of alternatives, as set forth in § 8–102 of this title, for the scope and the location of the project;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Estimates of right–of–way requirements, including available detail with respect to specific properties affected, and of cost;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Public meetings for discussion of the foregoing; and</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>Reports of consultants, if any have been retained for the analysis of preliminary alternatives.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>“Local governing body” means:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The county commissioners or county council of a county; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>If the charter of the county provides for a county executive, the county executive and the county council.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>For purposes of this part, action by the local governing body of a charter county with a county executive means a majority vote of the county council:</text> <level label="i"> <text>With the approval of the county executive; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>If the county executive does not grant approval within 10 days of the council action, with subsequent confirmation of the council action by two thirds of the members of the council.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <level label="1"> <text>“Local legislative delegation” means those members of the State Senate and of the House of Delegates who represent any part of the county involved.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>For purposes of this part, a “majority” of the local legislative delegation means a majority of those members of the State Senate and a majority of those members of the House of Delegates, voting separately.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>In any county which is divided into more than one senatorial district, the vote of approval or disapproval for each Senator shall be in direct proportion to the number of residents living in his senatorial district to the total county population. The population figures for each county and senatorial district shall be taken from the preceding U.S. Census Report. However, if a Senator representing more than one county is voting to approve or disapprove a project in his senatorial district, he shall have the same voting authority as the Senator representing the largest percentage of the population in that county. However, in those counties represented by exactly two senators, if a project is located exclusively in one senatorial district, that Senator shall have the prevailing vote on the approval or disapproval of that project.</text> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <text>“Municipality” means the governing body of a municipality as defined in § 1–101 of the Local Government Article.</text> </level> <level label="i"> <text>“Project planning phase” means the phase in which engineering and environmental studies and analyses are conducted with full participation of the public, in addition to local, State, and federal agencies, to determine the scope and location of a proposed highway project.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-611" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Construction and Maintenance"> <level label="a"> <text>The Administration shall furnish members of the General Assembly and the Governor with:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Current information on highway needs; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Information necessary for the development of the State Report on Transportation, as provided in § 2-103.1 of this article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>In calendar year 1979 and in each second year following, the Administration, following an assessment of the highway conditions and transportation needs of this State, shall prepare those proposed modifications to the highway needs inventory that it considers necessary.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>By July 1, 1997, the Administration, in cooperation with local governments, shall inventory State and local facilities near rail stops, light rail stops, and subway stations to determine what improvements are needed to accommodate in a safe and effective manner pedestrians and bicycles within a reasonable distance for walking and bicycling.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>In preparing the proposed modifications, the Administration shall provide a copy of the proposal to and consult with the local governing body, municipalities, and local legislative delegations with respect to the proposed modifications.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The Administration shall provide a copy of the State Report on Transportation to each county and municipality prior to consultation.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-612" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Construction and Maintenance"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>The Administration may engage in project planning for any item in the current highway needs inventory and for each item, shall conduct studies to determine, among other things, the scale, location, environmental impact, and citizen reaction.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>During the project planning phase, the Administration shall consult with the local governing body, municipalities, and local legislative delegation.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Administration may include in its annual budget request the funds required to implement the project planning provided for in this subsection.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <text>In calendar year 1979 and in each year following, the Administration shall submit to the local governing body and the local legislative delegation a list of items for which the initial phase of project planning has been completed.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>An information copy of the list shall be provided to the municipalities in the county.</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The list shall contain, as to each item, information necessary for the local governing body and local legislative delegation to determine whether the project may advance to the final project planning phase.</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Receipt of the list constitutes notice that the initial project planning phase has been completed for each item contained in it.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>Each listed item for a primary system shall be considered approved for the final project planning phase unless, within 90 days from submission of the list, the local legislative delegation and the local governing body disapproves that item in writing.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Any item for a primary system deleted by this action may be reinstated at any time by act or resolution of the General Assembly.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Each listed item for a secondary system shall be considered approved for the final project planning phase unless, within 90 days from submission of the list, a majority of the local legislative delegation or a majority of the local governing body disapproves that item in writing.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The local governing body and a majority of the local legislative delegation shall establish a list of priorities from among those secondary system projects listed in the needs inventory and the Administration shall engage in initial project planning upon the request of the local governing body and a majority of the local legislative delegation in the order established in the list of priorities.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>On completion of the initial project planning phase for the item, it shall be approved for the final project planning phase and for construction on request of the local governing body and a majority of the local legislative delegation.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>After an item is approved for the final project planning phase under this section, it may not be deleted by the local legislative delegation or the local governing body.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any item for the primary or secondary system may be deleted if the Secretary, with the approval of the local legislative delegation and the local governing body, determines that deletion of it is desirable.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Notwithstanding the above, any item for the primary system may be deleted if the Secretary, after consultation with the local legislative delegation and local governing body, determines that the deletion of that primary project is desirable because of changes in economic or environmental conditions or because of a demonstrated lack of available funds for both that project and any alternative primary highway project.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-613" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Construction and Maintenance"> <level label="a"> <text>Before the annual submission to the General Assembly of the highway construction and reconstruction program for each county for primary and secondary highways, the secondary program to include bicycle trails and sidewalks, the Administration shall consult with the local governing body, municipalities, and local legislative delegation of each county concerning construction priorities.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>If the Administration is unable for any reason to perform in accordance with the schedule set forth in the annual primary highway program, it shall, if so requested by resolution of either house of the General Assembly, explain in writing to the next session of the General Assembly any change in the scheduling of a particular project included in the preceding year’s program.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>If there is any change in the scheduling of a particular project in the secondary highway program for which funds have been appropriated in the preceding year, the Administration, on written request of a majority of the local legislative delegation from the county for which the project is programmed, shall explain that change in writing to the members of the General Assembly from that county.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-613.1" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Construction and Maintenance"> <text>By January 15 of each year, the Administration shall submit to the General Assembly, subject to § 2-1257 of the State Government Article, and to the governing body of each affected county and municipality a written report setting forth the following for each primary and secondary highway project:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The status of all incomplete projects for which funds have been appropriated or expended for fiscal years completed before the report;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A statement of the funds budgeted or expended on each incomplete project in the fiscal year preceding the report;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A statement of the funds expended or expected to be expended in the then current fiscal year on each incomplete project;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>A list of all projects that were completed in the fiscal year preceding the report; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>A statement of the total funds budgeted and expended on each project completed in the fiscal year preceding the report.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-613.2" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Construction and Maintenance"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Roadway” has the meaning stated in § 11–151 of this article.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Shoulder” has the meaning stated in § 21–101 of this article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Administration shall develop procedures in accordance with subsection (d) of this section to enhance the safety of highway construction, maintenance, utility, and other highway workers during construction or maintenance work on an expressway or controlled access highway with a posted speed limit of 45 miles per hour or more.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A county, municipal corporation, the Administration, or the Maryland Transportation Authority, with respect to highways under its jurisdiction, shall incorporate the procedures developed under subsection (b) of this section into the project planning phase and construction phase of a proposed highway project for an expressway or controlled access highway with a posted speed limit of 45 miles per hour or more.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <text>This paragraph applies to work that is:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Performed in a roadway; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Expected to last at least two weeks.</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The procedures developed under subsection (b) of this section shall ensure that for each highway construction or maintenance project, priority is given to performing the proposed highway construction or maintenance work in the absence of adjacent traffic through full or temporary closure of the highway at the location of the construction or maintenance work, if the closure is determined to be feasible after consideration of the following:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Safety of the traveling public;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Availability and feasibility of detours;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Access to abutting businesses, residences, and other facilities; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Delays that may result from full or temporary closure of the highway.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>This paragraph applies to work that is:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Performed in a roadway, if a county, municipal corporation, the Administration, or the Maryland Transportation Authority, with respect to highways under its jurisdiction, determines that full or temporary highway closure under paragraph (1) of this subsection is not feasible; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Performed on the shoulder and expected to last at least two weeks.</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A county, municipal corporation, the Administration, or the Maryland Transportation Authority, with respect to highways under its jurisdiction, shall consider protecting highway construction and maintenance workers by means of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Temporary traffic barriers;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Movable concrete barriers;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Movable link–system barriers; or</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Other available barrier systems.</text> </level> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Consideration of the use of barriers under this paragraph shall include consideration of the feasibility of temporarily widening a highway to allow for the installation of the barriers.</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>For a highway construction or maintenance project that utilizes barriers under this paragraph, a county, municipal corporation, the Administration, or the Maryland Transportation Authority, with respect to highways under its jurisdiction, may provide for a law enforcement presence at or near the site of the construction or maintenance work in accordance with paragraph (3) of this subsection.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="i"> <text>This paragraph applies to work that is:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Performed in a roadway or performed on the shoulder; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Expected to last at least two weeks.</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>If a county, municipal corporation, the Administration, or the Maryland Transportation Authority, with respect to highways under its jurisdiction, determines that highway closure under paragraph (1) of this subsection and installation of barriers under paragraph (2) of this subsection are not feasible, a county, municipal corporation, the Administration, or the Maryland Transportation Authority, with respect to highways under its jurisdiction, may provide for at least one law enforcement officer to be present at or near the site of the construction or maintenance work when workers are present.</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>A law enforcement officer present at or near the site of a highway construction or maintenance project under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Be in uniform;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Be in a marked law enforcement vehicle;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Display the visual lights or signal devices installed on the law enforcement vehicle; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Be located at or near the site of the highway construction or maintenance project in a manner to:</text> </level> <level label="A"> <text>Enhance worker safety; and</text> </level> <level label="B"> <text>Facilitate the enforcement of traffic laws.</text> </level> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>A law enforcement officer present at or near the site of a highway construction or maintenance project under subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph may take any authorized action to enforce traffic laws at or near the project.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-613.3" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Construction and Maintenance"> <text>The Governor shall include in the annual operating or capital budget an appropriation to the Administration to be used to comply with the Watershed Implementation Plan in the amount of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>$45,000,000 for fiscal year 2015;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>$65,000,000 for fiscal year 2016;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>$85,000,000 for fiscal year 2017;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>$100,000,000 for fiscal year 2018; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>$100,000,000 for fiscal year 2019.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-614" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Construction and Maintenance"> <level label="a"> <text>All State highway projects shall be performed under the supervision of the Administration and subject to its approval, in accordance with plans and specifications prepared by the chief engineer and approved by the Administration.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>To receive the full benefit of competitive bidding, the Administration, whenever practicable, shall separate major construction projects into two or more smaller contracts.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Administration shall include in construction and maintenance contracts a requirement that a contractor protect roadside trees to the maximum extent practicable in the performance of the contractor’s duties under the contract.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-616" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Construction and Maintenance"> <text>Within 90 days after the end of each fiscal year or as soon as practicable after that, the Secretary shall file a complete report with the Governor showing the status, as of the end of that fiscal year, of the State highway construction program. The report shall be in the form that the Governor requires and be open to public inspection.</text> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-619" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Construction and Maintenance"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>By written order, the Administration may lay out, establish, and construct any State highway as a parkway or a freeway.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If a written order of the Administration states that a proposed highway is to be constructed as a parkway or a freeway, the order is conclusive evidence that, when the highway is constructed, it is a parkway or a freeway, as the case may be, with all the characteristics and incidents specified in this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>If property is acquired for a freeway, the Administration shall inform each property owner of the use and restrictions that are or may be imposed on the property under this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>If a highway is constructed as a parkway or a freeway, no person, including an owner of property abutting the highway, has the right of access to or from the abutting land to or from the highway.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>At the time of construction, in the case of a parkway, or at any time, in the case of a freeway, the Administration, in its discretion, may designate points at which access to a parkway or freeway will be permitted and may specify from time to time terms and conditions of that access.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-620" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Construction and Maintenance"> <level label="a"> <text>Subject to subsection (b) of this section, the Administration may designate any part of any existing State highway as an expressway.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>This subsection applies to a State highway that the Administration:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Proposes designating as an expressway; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Designated as an expressway before October 1, 1999, but for which design and engineering funds have not been encumbered.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Before designating any part of a State highway as an expressway, the Administration:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Shall notify the governing body of each county and municipal corporation that may be affected by the designation and provide the officials representing governing bodies an opportunity to meet and confer with representatives of the Administration on the proposed designation; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Within a reasonable proximity to the area affected by the proposed designation:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Shall hold a public informational meeting, to present to the community background information on the designation, the Administration’s plans in relation to the highway, and the expected impact of the designation on the community; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Not less than 30 days after the public informational meeting, shall hold a public hearing on the proposed designation to afford interested parties an opportunity to submit oral testimony and written comments.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Administration shall publish notice of the proposed designation of a State highway as an expressway and the time and place of the public informational meeting and the public hearing in at least one newspaper of general circulation in the areas affected by the proposed designation at least 2 weeks before the:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Public informational meeting required under paragraph (2)(ii)1 of this subsection; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Public hearing required under paragraph (2)(ii)2 of this subsection.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The requirements of this subsection may be satisfied through the public notice provided, and the public informational meetings and public hearings held, as part of the project planning phase as defined in § 8-610 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>If an existing highway is designated as an expressway and a property abutting the expressway is not served by any other reasonable access to another public road, the Administration may acquire the right of any owner of the property to access to or from the abutting land to or from the expressway by:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Closing any existing access; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Limiting the right of the owner to construct any new access or to enlarge or extend any existing access.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If an existing highway is designated as an expressway and a property abutting the expressway has reasonable access to another public road, the Administration may:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Acquire the right of any owner of that property abutting the expressway to continue to use an existing access to or from the abutting land to or from the expressway by closing any existing access; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>In its own discretion, prohibit new access to or from the abutting land to or from the expressway by limiting the right of the owner to construct any new access.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>An owner denied new access under paragraph (2)(ii) of this subsection is not entitled to any compensation for the denial of access if reasonable access to another public road is available at the time of the denial of access.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The Administration, in its discretion, may designate points at which access will be permitted and may specify the terms and conditions of that access.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-621" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Construction and Maintenance"> <text>If any highway is constructed as a parkway or is constructed or designated as a freeway, the Administration may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Regulate, restrict, or prohibit any specific access to the parkway or freeway from any other highway, if reasonable access to the parkway or freeway from the other highway otherwise is provided;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Regulate, restrict, or prohibit the use of the parkway or freeway by any class of vehicles or traffic, if an alternate route is provided for the restricted or prohibited classes; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Maintain, discontinue, abandon, close, and exercise any other powers over the parkway or freeway to the same extent and in the same manner as in the case of any other highway.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-622" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Construction and Maintenance"> <level label="a"> <text>If property held under one ownership is divided by a freeway, the Administration may provide access across the freeway from one tract to the other and may specify the terms and conditions of that access.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>If the tracts cease to be held under one ownership, the Administration may terminate the access.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Access provided under this section may not be used in connection with any roadside business.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-625" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Construction and Maintenance"> <level label="a"> <text>For purposes of this section, average daily traffic volume shall be determined over a 1-year period by the procedures that the Administration uses to establish traffic density.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>Except in accordance with a permit issued by the Administration, a person may not make any entrance from any commercial or industrial property to any State highway that carries an average traffic volume of more than 2,000 vehicles a day.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Administration may apply to the circuit court in the subdivision in which the violation occurred or is threatened for appropriate injunctive relief.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>To promote highway safety, the Administration may limit the width of existing entrances and exits and determine the locations of access points that may be used by any commercial or industrial property owner or user into any existing section of a State highway that carries an average traffic volume of more than 2,000 vehicles a day.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the Administration finds it expedient for traffic safety, the Administration may:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Limit the width and location of access points by any method that it considers desirable; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Deny an abutting property owner all new access along any primary State highway if reasonable access to another public road is available to and from the property.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Denial of access under paragraph (2)(ii) of this subsection is an exercise of the police power and does not require the payment of compensation.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>This subsection does not apply to an expressway, freeway, interstate highway, or parkway.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Notwithstanding subsection (c)(2)(ii) of this section, the Administration may not deny an owner of property abutting a State highway all access to the highway if the abutment is within the boundaries of a municipal corporation unless:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The property abuts another public road to which reasonable access can be granted;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The denial is based on an access management plan that has been agreed to by the Administration and the municipal corporation; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The Administration pays just compensation to the property owner as part of the exercise of eminent domain powers.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-626" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Construction and Maintenance"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to this section and with the advice and approval of the Administration, the legislative body of any county or municipal corporation in this State may designate an industrial crossing across any State highway located within the county or municipal corporation.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An industrial crossing may not be designated if it will endanger traffic on the highway.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>Any person who desires an industrial crossing across a State highway shall apply for designation of the crossing to the legislative body of the county or municipal corporation where the highway is located.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An industrial crossing may not be designated unless the applicant pays or agrees to pay for:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The costs of any improvement required to strengthen or modify the highway for use as an industrial crossing;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Any damage to the highway that results from its use as an industrial crossing; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The costs of making, installing, and maintaining any signs, markers, or signal devices that the legislative body, with the approval of the Administration, requires to designate the crossing.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>If an industrial crossing is designated under this section, the applicant has the exclusive right to use the industrial crossing, subject to any conditions of use that the Administration requires. When using the crossing, the vehicles of the applicant are exempt from all weight limitations and registration requirements imposed by the Maryland Vehicle Law.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The designation of any industrial crossing continues as long as the applicant actually uses the crossing. However, after notice and hearing, the Administration, the Department of State Police, or the police department of the county or municipal corporation where the crossing is located may terminate the use of the crossing on the ground that the crossing has become a danger to traffic because of increased traffic or for any other good reason.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-627" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Construction and Maintenance"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Defense-related activity” means:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The preparation of the United States or a state for defense or war; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The prosecution of war by the United States or a country with which the United States maintains friendly relations.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Highway authority” means a governing body or individual with the authority under law to restrict or close a highway to the public.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>“Political subdivision” means a county, municipal corporation, special taxing district, or public corporation of the State.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>“Public utility” includes a pipeline, gas, electric, heat, water, oil, sewer, communication, radio, transportation, railroad, airplane, or other system owned or operated for public use.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>This section applies to property owned by a person, the State, or a political subdivision:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Engaged in, or preparing to engage in, the manufacture, transportation, or storage of a product to be used in a defense-related activity;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Engaged in, or preparing to engage in, the manufacture, transportation, distribution, or storage of gas, oil, coal, electricity, or water; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Operating a public utility.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>An owner of property described in subsection (b) of this section, who believes that the property will be endangered if public use and travel is not restricted or prohibited on a highway abutting the property, may petition the highway authority of the State or a political subdivision, as appropriate, to close or restrict public use of and travel on the highway.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>On receiving the petition, the highway authority shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Set a hearing date; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Provide notice of the hearing at least 7 days before the hearing by publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the political subdivision where the property is located.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>After the hearing, the highway authority may by order close or reasonably restrict the use of a public highway if the highway authority determines that the public safety and the safety of the property require the closure or restriction.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The highway authority shall conspicuously post a notice in letters at least 3 inches high at each end of a highway that the highway authority closes or restricts.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>The highway authority may issue a written permit to persons to travel on a closed or restricted highway under conditions that the highway authority establishes.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>The highway authority may revoke or modify an order issued under this section.</text> </level> <level label="h"> <text>A person who violates an order issued under this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 90 days or a fine not exceeding $500 or both.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-629" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Construction and Maintenance"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>With the concurrence of the local government, the Administration may require any developer of an industrial, commercial, or apartment area along a highway maintained by the Administration to construct sidewalks parallel to the highway.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The construction of these sidewalks shall meet the conditions specified in entrance permits and the standards adopted by the Administration or the local government.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Sidewalks may not be required under this section if the Administration determines that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The establishment of sidewalks would be contrary to public safety;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The cost of establishing the sidewalks would be too great considering the need for them or their probable use; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The sparsity of population, the existence of other available ways, or any other factor indicates that there is no need for the sidewalks.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>After sidewalks are constructed under this section, they shall be maintained and repaired by the political subdivision in which they are located.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-630" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Construction and Maintenance"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Municipal corporation” means a municipality as defined in § 1–101 of the Local Government Article.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Urban highway” means a highway, other than an expressway, that is:</text> <level label="i"> <level label="1"> <text>Constructed with a curb and gutter and an enclosed type storm drainage system;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Located in an urban area and on which is located a public facility that creates appreciable pedestrian traffic along the highway from adjacent areas;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Located within urban boundaries as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau; or</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Located within the boundaries of a municipal corporation; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Part of the State highway system.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>Sidewalks shall be constructed at the time of construction or reconstruction of an urban highway, or in response to the request of a local government unless:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The Administration determines that the cost or impacts of constructing the sidewalks would be too great in relation to the need for them or their probable use; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The local government indicates that there is no need for sidewalks.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Sidewalks constructed under this section shall be consistent with area master plans and transportation plans adopted by the local planning commission.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>If sidewalks or bicycle pathways are constructed or reconstructed as part of a roadway construction or reconstruction project, the Administration shall fund the sidewalk or bicycle pathway construction or reconstruction as a part of the cost of the roadway project.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Except as provided in paragraphs (3) and (4) of this subsection, if sidewalks or bicycle pathways are constructed or reconstructed in response to a request from a local government in its annual priority letter for the Department’s consideration for inclusion in the Consolidated Transportation Program under § 2–103.1 of this article and the adjacent roadway is not being concurrently constructed or reconstructed, the cost to construct or reconstruct the sidewalk or bicycle pathway shall be shared equally between the State and local governments.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>If sidewalks or bicycle pathways within a sustainable community as defined in § 6–301 of the Housing and Community Development Article are constructed or reconstructed in response to a request from a local government in its annual priority letter for the Department’s consideration for inclusion in the Consolidated Transportation Program under § 2–103.1 of this article and the adjacent roadway is not being concurrently constructed or reconstructed, the cost to construct or reconstruct the sidewalk or bicycle pathway may be funded entirely by the State.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <level label="i"> <text>This paragraph does not apply to a priority funding area that is a sustainable community as defined in § 6–301 of the Housing and Community Development Article.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>From the funding programmed for sidewalks and bicycle pathways by the Department in the Consolidated Transportation Program under § 2–103.1 of this article, the Administration shall prioritize funding for sidewalks and bicycle pathways that are, or are adjacent to highways that are, subject to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A complete streets policy, as defined in § 2–112 of this article; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Another similar Vision Zero program under Subtitle 10 of this title.</text> </level> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>If sidewalks or bicycle pathways within an area designated as a priority funding area under § 5–7B–02 of the State Finance and Procurement Article are constructed or reconstructed in response to a request from a local government in its annual priority letter for the Department’s consideration for inclusion in the Consolidated Transportation Program under § 2–103.1 of this article and the adjacent roadway is not being concurrently constructed or reconstructed, and if the Administration determines that construction would not occur under this section due to insufficient contribution of funds by the local government, the cost to construct or reconstruct the sidewalk or bicycle pathway shall be shared between the State and local government as follows:</text> <level label="1"> <text>75 percent of the cost shall be funded by the State; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>25 percent of the cost shall be funded by the local government.</text> </level> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>If sidewalks or bicycle pathways within an area designated as a priority funding area under § 5–7B–02 of the State Finance and Procurement Article are constructed or reconstructed based on a determination by the Administration that a substantial public safety risk or significant impediment to pedestrian access exists and the adjacent roadway is not being concurrently constructed or reconstructed, then:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The Administration shall categorize the sidewalk or bicycle pathway construction project as “system preservation” and give corresponding funding priority to the project; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The cost to construct or reconstruct the sidewalk or bicycle pathway and to acquire the necessary right–of–way may be funded entirely by the State.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <text>If sidewalks or bicycle pathways are being constructed or reconstructed in response to a request from a local government in its annual priority letter for the Department’s consideration for inclusion in the Consolidated Transportation Program under § 2–103.1 of this article and the adjacent roadway is not being concurrently constructed or reconstructed, the local government shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Provide public notice and opportunities for community involvement prior to the construction of a sidewalk or bicycle pathway project; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Secure any necessary right–of–way that may be needed beyond the right–of–way already owned by the State.</text> </level> </level> <level label="6"> <level label="i"> <text>Except as provided in subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, after sidewalks and bicycle pathways are constructed under this section, they shall be maintained and repaired by the political subdivision in which they are located.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Subject to approval and the availability of funds, the Administration promptly shall reimburse a political subdivision for the preapproved and documented costs incurred in reconstructing a segment of a sidewalk or bicycle pathway that has deteriorated to the extent that repair is not practical or desirable for public safety.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Administration may not construct any project that will result in the severance or destruction of an existing major route for pedestrian transportation traffic, unless the project provides for construction of a reasonable alternative route or such a route already exists.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The Administration shall develop guidelines jointly with local governments to carry out the provisions of this section.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>The Administration shall maintain and repair all facilities for nighttime illumination that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Are constructed by the Administration for the safe conduct of vehicular traffic; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Exist adjacent to urban highways.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-633" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Construction and Maintenance"> <text>Except as otherwise provided by law, the Administration does not have any duties, responsibilities, or powers with respect to the construction, reconstruction, or maintenance of any highways except State highways.</text> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-635" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Construction and Maintenance"> <text>At the request of any proper county agency, the Administration shall provide to the county engineering advice and information on the county’s road program, including its farm-to-market road program. The Administration may not charge the cost of this advice or information either to the county, to the county’s share of highway user revenues, or to other funds allocated to the county.</text> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-636" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Construction and Maintenance"> <level label="a"> <text>Within 6 months after the end of each county’s fiscal year, the county shall file with the Administration a complete report of each project constructed during the preceding fiscal year.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The report shall include:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A full audit of the county’s accounts relating to the project; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An engineering statement that states separately and in detail all costs incurred in the project.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-637" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Construction and Maintenance"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section, “traffic calming device” means a physical highway measure used to reduce vehicle speed and increase safety for bicyclists, motorists, and pedestrians.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Traffic calming device” includes:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A speed bump;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A raised crosswalk;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>A traffic circle; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>A narrowed road.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The Administration, in consultation with appropriate county and municipal authorities, shall compile best practices for siting, constructing, and maintaining traffic calming devices that address:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The engineering and design of traffic calming devices; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The costs and benefits of various methods of traffic calming.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Administration shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Coordinate and act as a clearinghouse for best practices for siting, constructing, and maintaining traffic calming devices; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Based on the best practices, publish and periodically update information about best practices for the siting, construction, and maintenance of traffic calming devices.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The information on best practices required under paragraph (2) of this subsection shall include the estimated costs of construction for each traffic calming device.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>On the request of a county or municipality, the Administration shall provide information on best practices for the siting, construction, and maintenance of traffic calming devices.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-639" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Construction and Maintenance"> <level label="a"> <text>Unless approved by the Secretary on application to him, and notwithstanding any other statute to the contrary:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Except for an industrial track spur or siding, a railroad may not:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Construct, reconstruct, improve, widen, relocate, or otherwise alter a railroad grade crossing over a State, county, or municipal highway, except in Baltimore City, or over a private road; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Change the crossing protection equipment at such a crossing; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A person may not:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Construct, reconstruct, improve, widen, relocate, or otherwise alter either a railroad grade crossing over a public highway or a private road over a railroad; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Change the crossing protection equipment at such a crossing.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The Secretary has authority, subject to the provisions of Division II of the State Finance and Procurement Article, to approve the construction or modification of a railroad grade crossing or a change of crossing protection equipment and to impose conditions necessary to insure public safety at the crossing.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>No other approval, safety condition, or protective measure may be required by any public authority.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>When an application is made to the Secretary for approval of the construction or modification of a railroad grade crossing or a change of crossing protection equipment, the Secretary, after notice to all parties in interest, including adjacent property owners, shall hold a hearing on the matter if:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The Secretary considers a hearing to be necessary;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A hearing is requested by any party in interest; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The proposed change would diminish or discontinue any crossing protection.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>With any technical advice from the Administration that the Secretary considers necessary, the Secretary may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Approve or disapprove the application; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Impose on the person initiating the crossing project, under uniform standards and regulations, any condition necessary to insure public safety at the crossing, including a requirement for the installation of, payment for, and maintenance of crossing protection equipment.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>For purposes of this section, the conversion of a private road grade crossing into a public highway grade crossing is a projection of a public highway over the railroad by the public authority taking jurisdiction of the private road.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-640" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Construction and Maintenance"> <level label="a"> <text>At each grade crossing of a highway and a railroad, the railroad shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Keep its roadbed and the highway in proper repair so as to provide absolutely safe and easy approach to and crossing of the tracks; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Subject to approval by the Administration, construct a railroad grade separation.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The Administration may abandon, relocate, construct, or reconstruct any railroad grade crossing or railroad grade separation that is dangerous or inconvenient for public travel.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If a railroad grade crossing is dangerous or inconvenient for public travel, the Administration may construct a railroad grade separation.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The Administration may require the railroad to do any of the work needed under this section, on the terms and conditions that the Administration specifies.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the railroad fails to do any work required of it under this section, the Administration may perform the work itself and collect the railroad’s share of the cost from the railroad.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-641" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Construction and Maintenance"> <level label="a"> <text>The Administration shall pay the costs of relocation to any public or private utility whose facilities are altered or relocated because of a railroad grade crossing or railroad grade separation project. The plans for the alteration or relocation shall be approved by the utility.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>If the owner of land adjacent to any State highway suffers damages as the result of the elimination of a railroad grade crossing or railroad grade separation from that highway, the owner may sue the Administration and the railroad for these damages.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-642" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Construction and Maintenance"> <level label="a"> <text>As to the costs of any railroad grade crossing or railroad grade separation project or maintenance:</text> <level label="1"> <text>25 percent of these costs shall be paid by the railroads that benefit from the crossing or separation; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>75 percent of these costs shall be paid by the Administration.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>If two or more railroads benefit from the crossing or separation, the railroads’ 25 percent share shall be apportioned among them as determined by the Administration.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-643" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Construction and Maintenance"> <level label="a"> <text>If any railroad does not comply with an order of the Administration under this part to do work on a railroad grade crossing or railroad grade separation or to pay its share of the costs of any railroad grade crossing or railroad grade separation project or maintenance, the railroad is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $100 for each day that the order is not complied with.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The penalty provided for in this section is in addition to any other remedies available to the Administration.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-644" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Construction and Maintenance"> <level label="a"> <text>The Administration may erect an exempt highway–rail grade crossing plaque at each railroad grade crossing in the State that is no longer in use by a railroad.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The design and placement of a plaque erected under this section shall be in accordance with the federal Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-646" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Construction and Maintenance"> <level label="a"> <text>Except as permitted by this section or in accordance with a permit obtained from the Administration, a person may not:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Make an opening in any State highway;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Place any structure on any State highway;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Change or renew any structure placed on any State highway;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Dig up any State highway for any purpose, including the placement of pipes, sewers, poles, wires, or rails;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Plant or remove any tree on any State highway; or</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Place any obstruction or improvement on any State highway.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The Administration may issue a permit for work otherwise prohibited by subsection (a) of this section.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Work done under the permit shall be performed to the satisfaction of the Administration and under its supervision.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>If the work done under the permit will be performed within 1 mile of Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority rail or bus rapid transit stations or Maryland Transit Administration rail or bus rapid transit stations, including Maryland Area Regional Commuter (MARC) stations, the person to whom the permit is issued or by whom the work is done shall maintain a safe alternative pedestrian path at the work site in accordance with regulations adopted under this section.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The person to whom the permit is issued or by whom the work is done shall pay the cost of replacing the highway in as good a condition as before the work was done.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <level label="i"> <text>The Administration shall require a nongovernment applicant for a permit issued under this subsection who is a developer to submit a performance bond, letter of credit, or other surety acceptable to the Administration.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The Administration shall require a nongovernment applicant for a permit issued under this subsection to submit a payment bond, letter of credit, or other surety acceptable to the Administration if:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The amount of the improvement is estimated to exceed $100,000;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The project is financed, in whole or in part, by private funds; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The entire improvement is located outside the applicant’s property.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Administration may apply to the circuit court in the subdivision in which the violation occurred or is threatened for appropriate injunctive relief.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <text>In this subsection the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>“Bike lane” has the meaning stated in § 21–101 of this article.</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>“Sidewalk shed” means a temporary structure erected over a sidewalk or pedestrian walkway to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Protect pedestrians from debris that may fall from construction work above the sidewalk or pedestrian walkway; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Maintain pedestrian access to the sidewalk or pedestrian walkway when construction or maintenance occurs near the sidewalk or pedestrian walkway.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Administration shall adopt regulations governing the maintenance of pedestrian access to the maximum extent practicable in areas where construction or maintenance work is performed in accordance with a permit issued under this section.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The regulations adopted under paragraph (2) of this subsection shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Prohibit the erection of a sidewalk shed unless:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The Administration has approved the erection of the sidewalk shed under a permit issued under this section; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The person that will apply for the permit or do the work determines that immediate erection of a sidewalk shed is necessary for public safety;</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Require the person specified under item (i)2 of this paragraph to apply for a permit within 24 hours after erecting the sidewalk shed;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Specify standards and requirements for sidewalk sheds and other structures that maintain pedestrian access, including requirements regarding:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Length, width, and height of the structures;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Lighting in and around the structures;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Compliance with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The storage of supplies and other materials on the roof of a sidewalk shed;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Temporary office facilities;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Circumstances under which a structure may block other highway features, including exits, entrances, loading areas, and street signs; and</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>Maintaining access to bike lanes, in the following descending order of priority:</text> </level> <level label="A"> <text>Providing a bike lane on the same highway that the blocked bike lane is on by shifting and narrowing adjacent lanes of traffic;</text> </level> <level label="B"> <text>Providing a bike lane in an existing lane of traffic;</text> </level> <level label="C"> <text>Merging bicyclists and adjacent traffic into a shared lane of traffic; and</text> </level> <level label="D"> <text>Providing a bike lane detour route; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Address any other issue the Administration determines is necessary for the maintenance of pedestrian access to the maximum extent practicable in areas where construction or maintenance work is performed in accordance with a permit issued under this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The Administration shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Compile an inventory of best practices used in jurisdictions throughout the State and outside the State for the maintenance of pedestrian access in areas where construction or maintenance work is performed in State highway rights–of–way; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Publish and make available the inventory of best practices to any interested party.</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <text>In adopting the regulations required under this subsection, the Administration shall consider:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Safety factors for pedestrians, bicyclists, and construction and maintenance workers;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The cost of maintaining pedestrian access under this section;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Best practices compiled under paragraph (4) of this subsection;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>The need for storage and access to construction materials and equipment; and</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>The need to separate different modes of travel.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-647" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Construction and Maintenance"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>A person may not remove any dirt, sand, gravel, stone, rock, or other material from the land adjoining any State highway, if the removal affects the surface or construction of the highway by changing the supporting slopes in a fill or the slopes supporting the adjoining land in a cut.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the Administration has built up barriers to protect or support any highway, such as sand fences, retaining walls, or any other structure, a person may not remove any dirt, sand, gravel, stone, rock, or other material from the land adjoining the highway, if the removal is harmful to the construction or protection of the highway.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Any person who violates any provision of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>For a first offense, a fine not exceeding $100; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>For any subsequent offense, a fine not exceeding $1,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 6 months or both.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-648" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Construction and Maintenance"> <text>Any new or replacement storm drain cover, installed on a street or highway in the State, after January 1, 1980, shall consist of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Bars running perpendicular to the flow of traffic on the highway;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A grating composed of intersecting bars; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Other designs approved by the Department of Transportation which meet safety design criteria as well as engineering and structural design demands.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-649" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Construction and Maintenance"> <text>The new bridge across the Choptank River in the vicinity of Cambridge shall be named the Senator Frederick C. Malkus, Jr. Bridge.</text> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-650" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Construction and Maintenance"> <level label="a"> <text>The Administration shall designate the portion of Maryland Route 24 located between the U.S. Route 1 Bypass and U.S. Route 40 as the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Administration shall designate the portion of Maryland Route 157 known as the Peninsula Expressway as the Vietnam Veterans Highway.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-651" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Construction and Maintenance"> <level label="a"> <text>The Administration shall designate Maryland Route 43 as the Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Administration shall designate the portion of Interstate Highway 70 that is located in Frederick County, Maryland as the Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-652" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Construction and Maintenance"> <text>The following flags shall be flown year round at each rest area, welcome center, and exhibit center within interstate and State highway rights-of-way:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The flag of the United States;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The State flag; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The POW/MIA flag of the National League of Families of American Prisoners and Missing in Southeast Asia.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-653" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Construction and Maintenance"> <text>The Administration shall dedicate the portion of Interstate Highway 83 from the intersection of Interstate Highway 83 and Interstate Highway 695 to the Maryland-Pennsylvania border as the Veterans of Foreign Wars Memorial Highway.</text> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-654" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Construction and Maintenance"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section, “trenching” means a construction project in which a highway right–of–way surface is opened or removed for the purpose of laying or installing conduit, fiber, or similar infrastructure in excess of 1 mile in length.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Trenching” does not include a project for construction or maintenance of a highway facility, including drainage or culvert work.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The following units of the State shall allow the use of any right–of–way or easement for the installation of broadband communication infrastructure provided by nonprofit telecommunications services providers in rural and underserved areas of the State without imposition of any charge for the use of the right–of–way or the easement:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The Department of Transportation, including the State Highway Administration, the Maryland Transportation Authority, and the Maryland Transit Administration;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Board of Public Works;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Department of Information Technology;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The Department of Natural Resources; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The Department of the Environment.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a unit of local government and the Department of Transportation, including the State Highway Administration, the Maryland Transportation Authority, and the Maryland Transit Administration, shall allow joint trenching by broadband providers on a nonexclusive and nondiscriminatory basis.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Department or a unit of local government may deny joint trenching if:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Joint trenching will hinder or obstruct highway safety or the construction, maintenance, operations, or related regulation of highway facilities; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Joint trenching is not feasible because it will delay the repair or construction of a county’s water, wastewater, electricity, or gas lines.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="i"> <text>Except as provided in subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, the Department or a unit of local government may charge a fee to a broadband provider that participates in joint trenching on reasonable financial terms.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The Department or a unit of local government may not charge a fee to a nonprofit broadband provider that participates in joint trenching.</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Revenues generated from fees charged by the Department under this section shall be evenly distributed across funds designed for investment in broadband infrastructure.</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Revenues generated from fees charged by a unit of local government under this section shall be used to improve broadband access and adoption within that jurisdiction.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>This section may not be construed to limit or otherwise affect any right granted to the State or a unit of the State under § 253 of the federal Telecommunications Act of 1996 with regard to for profit telecommunications services providers.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>On or before January 1, 2022, the Department, after consulting with stakeholders including broadband providers, the Maryland Association of Counties, and the Maryland Municipal League, shall adopt regulations for the implementation of this section, including:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Procedures for charging a fee to a broadband provider for joint trenching on reasonable financial terms; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Procedures for the Department and units of local government to provide notice of upcoming trenching projects to broadband providers.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>This section does not apply to a county or municipal corporation within the Washington Suburban Sanitary District.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-655" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Construction and Maintenance"> <level label="a"> <text>The Administration shall post the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline information sign described in § 15–207 of the Business Regulation Article in each restroom at a rest area within the right–of–way of an interstate or State highway.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A sign required under this section shall be posted:</text> <level label="1"> <text>On the inside of each stall door in the restroom; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>On the back of the door at the entrance to the restroom.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-656" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Construction and Maintenance"> <text>The Department shall establish a process by which a member of the General Assembly, another elected official, or any member of the general public may request that the Department dedicate a bridge or another appropriate transportation structure under the jurisdiction of the Department to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>A deceased member of the armed forces:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Whose home of record was in the State; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Whose surviving spouse, parent, or next of kin is a recipient of the U.S. Department of Defense Gold Star memorializing that the member was killed in action; or</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A firefighter, law enforcement officer, or another emergency responder who died in the line of duty.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-657" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Construction and Maintenance"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Federal facility” includes:</text> <level label="i"> <text>An installation of the uniformed services; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Any property owned or leased by an agency of the United States.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Federal project” means a State highway project that is:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Financed in whole or in part with federal funds; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Designed to enhance access to a federal facility.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>“Publicly owned utility” means a utility owned or operated by a political subdivision of the State or by a public agency created under the laws of the State.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>“Relocate” includes to realign, raise, lower, rebuild, or remove.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>If, due to a federal project, it is necessary to relocate any water or sewer line of a publicly owned utility, the Administration shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Notify the political subdivision or agency that owns the utility of the estimated cost of relocating the water or sewer line; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Investigate funding sources to help the political subdivision or agency that owns the utility to meet its share of the cost of relocating the water or sewer line and, if needed, to develop a payment plan.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-658" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Construction and Maintenance"> <text>The Administration shall dedicate the portion of Maryland Route 924 (Emmorton Road) between the intersection of Maryland Route 24 and Maryland Route 924 and the intersection of Singer Road and Maryland Route 924 as Heroes Highway.</text> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-659" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Construction and Maintenance"> <text>The Administration shall dedicate the portion of Maryland Route 695A (Broening Highway) that is located between the Baltimore City–Baltimore County line and the intersection of Maryland Route 695A with Maryland Avenue and Avon Beach Road as Henrietta Lacks Way.</text> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-660" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Construction and Maintenance"> <text>The Administration shall dedicate the bridge located at the intersection of Maryland Route 22 and Interstate Highway 95 as the Alfred B. Hilton Memorial Bridge.</text> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-661" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Construction and Maintenance"> <level label="a"> <text>In this section, “traffic control device” has the meaning stated in § 11–167 of this article.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Administration shall establish a policy that allows for the installation of decorative treatments on traffic control devices that have been marred by graffiti or vandalism that includes:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Illicit writings or drawings;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Illegal postings; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Blight from incomplete mitigation of graffiti.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>A person may apply to the appropriate district office within the Administration for a permit to install a decorative treatment, including a digitally printed vinyl wrap or paint, on a traffic control device.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Subject to the requirements of this section, a district office may issue a permit to install a decorative treatment on a traffic control device within the jurisdiction of the district office.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>The Administration shall adopt regulations for the installation of decorative treatments that prohibit decorative treatments from:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Interfering with the operation or maintenance of a traffic control device; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Obstructing access to and ventilation of a traffic control device.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>Subject to subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, the Administration shall adopt viewpoint and content neutral regulations that provide the minimum requirements for decorative treatments.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A decorative treatment may not:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Contain an advertisement;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Contain an image or a description of graphic violence;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Contain profanity;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Contain pornography, obscene material, or images of nudity;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Demean or disparage an individual or a group of individuals;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Violate a copyright or any other legal ownership interest; or</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>Unnecessarily engage the attention of drivers or cause driver distraction.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Administration may adopt any additional regulations necessary to implement this section.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-662" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Construction and Maintenance"> <level label="a"> <text>The Administration may post information on suicide prevention, including a hotline number, on electronic signs along any highway within a 5–mile radius of a high suicide risk zone, as identified by the Administration.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Administration may adopt regulations to implement this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-663" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Construction and Maintenance"> <text>The Administration shall designate Maryland Route 210 as the Piscataway Highway.</text> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-664" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Construction and Maintenance"> <level label="a"> <text>This section applies only in Montgomery County.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>On or before December 31 each year, Montgomery County shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Compile and make publicly available a report for the previous fiscal year on each school bus monitoring system operated by a local jurisdiction under this section; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Submit the report to Montgomery County Public Schools, the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration, the Montgomery County Department of Transportation, the Montgomery County Vision Zero Coordinator, and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the Montgomery County Delegation to the General Assembly.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The report shall include:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The number of violations that occurred at each school bus stop in the previous fiscal year;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The number of violations that occurred at each school bus stop in each of the 5 fiscal years preceding the previous fiscal year;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>A breakdown of the violations by the direction in which each vehicle involved in a violation was travelling in relation to the stopped school bus;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>The total amount of fines issued for violations at each school bus stop in the previous fiscal year; and</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>The total amount of fines issued for violations at each school bus stop in each of the 5 fiscal years preceding the previous fiscal year.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-701" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Regulation of Outdoor Advertising"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>“Erect” means, except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, to construct, build, raise, assemble, place, affix, attach, create, paint, draw, or in any other way bring into being or establish.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Erect” does not include any of the activities described in paragraph (1) of this subsection when performed only as an incident to a change of advertising message or the customary maintenance or repair of an outdoor sign or outdoor sign structure.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>“Main traveled way” means:</text> <level label="i"> <text>That part of a roadway that is used for the movement of vehicles and on which through traffic is carried; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>In the case of a divided highway, that part of each of the separated roadways that is used for the movement of vehicles and on which through traffic is carried in opposite directions.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Main traveled way” does not include:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Shoulders; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Frontage roads, turning roadways, parking areas, or similar facilities.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“On premise outdoor sign” means any outdoor sign that, regardless of content, is designed, intended, or used to advertise or inform the traveling public of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The sale or lease of the property on which it is located;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The sale or lease of a product grown, produced, or manufactured on the property on which it is located;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The sale or lease of a service performed on the property on which it is located; or</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The name of the owner, agent, assignee, or lessee of the property on which it is located.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Outdoor sign” means any outdoor sign, display, light, structure, figure, painting, drawing, message, plaque, placard, poster, billboard, device, or other thing that is designed, intended, or used to advertise or inform the traveling public.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>“Visible” means capable of being seen, whether or not legible, without visual aid by a person of normal eyesight.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-702" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Regulation of Outdoor Advertising"> <level label="a"> <text>The provisions of this subtitle are in addition to any other provisions of law that regulate or govern signs along highways or on public property.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>This subtitle does not prohibit the erection or maintenance of any traffic sign, signal, or other device by the Administration or any local authority in accordance with the Maryland Vehicle Law.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-703" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Regulation of Outdoor Advertising"> <level label="a"> <text>This subtitle does not apply to the erection or maintenance of any school bus waiting shelter displaying outdoor signs if:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The advertising does not exceed 32 square feet;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The shelter has no more than one sign facing in any one direction; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The shelter has no more than two signs in all.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>All outdoor signs on school bus waiting shelters are subject to applicable local zoning regulations and standards approved by the State Highway Administration and, in an area to which Part IV of this subtitle applies, that are consistent with the Code of Federal Regulations regarding national standards for outdoor signs on interstate and federal–aid primary highways.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-704" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Regulation of Outdoor Advertising"> <text>The Administration shall administer and enforce this subtitle.</text> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-705" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Regulation of Outdoor Advertising"> <level label="a"> <text>The Administration may adopt rules and regulations to carry out the provisions of this subtitle, including those rules and regulations that, consistent with the safety and welfare of the traveling public, the Administration considers necessary to govern:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The issuance of licenses and permits under this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The location, size, lighting, and spacing requirements for any outdoor sign for which a permit is to be issued; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The method of erecting and maintaining an outdoor sign under a permit.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>Before a rule or regulation may be adopted under this subtitle, notice of a public hearing on the rule or regulation shall be published once a week for 2 successive weeks in at least two newspapers of general circulation in this State. The notice shall specify a time and place for the public hearing.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>After the hearing, the Administration may adopt the proposed rule or regulation.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-706" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Regulation of Outdoor Advertising"> <text>For an immersive entertainment venue, as defined in § 12–201 of the Economic Development Article, the Secretary may grant waivers or exceptions to any provision in this subtitle that requires State approval.</text> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-708" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Regulation of Outdoor Advertising"> <text>A person may not engage in the business generally known as outdoor advertising for profit gained from rentals or other compensation received for the erection, use, or maintenance on real property of any outdoor sign, unless the person is licensed by the Administration under this part.</text> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-709" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Regulation of Outdoor Advertising"> <level label="a"> <text>Each application for a license under this part:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Shall be made on a form provided by the Administration; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Shall include:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The full name of the applicant;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The mailing address of the applicant; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Any other relevant information that the Administration requires for consideration of the application.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Each license issued under this part expires on the April 30 after its issuance and may be renewed annually on application and payment of the required fee.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-710" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Regulation of Outdoor Advertising"> <level label="a"> <text>Each applicant for a license or the renewal of a license under this part shall pay an annual fee established by the Administration, based on the number of outdoor sign structures.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>If a license is issued in any month after May, the fee for that license shall be prorated according to the number of months, including the month of its issuance, that remain in the license year.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-711" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Regulation of Outdoor Advertising"> <text>The Administration shall issue a license under this part to any applicant who has complied with the requirements of this part.</text> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-714" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Regulation of Outdoor Advertising"> <level label="a"> <text>Whether or not the person must be licensed under Part II of this subtitle, a person may not erect or maintain any outdoor sign outside the limits of any municipal corporation and within 500 feet of a State highway, unless the person has a permit issued by the Administration for that sign.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A permit is not required under this section to erect or maintain any outdoor sign:</text> <level label="1"> <text>That is used only to advertise the sale or lease of the property on which it is located;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>That is on or within 100 feet of any building or the entrance to any building in which the business advertised is carried on;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>That is used only to advertise:</text> <level label="i"> <text>A Maryland historic shrine or institution; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A county or church fair held in this State;</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>That advertises a candidate or the support or defeat of any proposition. This sign:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Shall comply with all provisions of the Election Law Article;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Shall comply with public safety requirements as set forth in § 8–716 of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Shall conform to all local restrictions and zoning requirements which are more restrictive than this section; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Shall conform to the restrictions and requirements of Parts IV and V of this subtitle; or</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <text>That is only a temporary outdoor sign that advertises the sale in season of fresh produce on property that adjoins a State highway by a person who has grown the fresh produce and who owns, rents, or has permission to sell on the property. This sign:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Shall comply with public safety requirements as set forth in § 8–716 of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Shall conform to all local restrictions and zoning requirements that are more restrictive than this section, including any applicable time limitation;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Shall conform to the restrictions and requirements of Parts IV and V of this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Shall be removed or covered when produce is no longer for sale.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-715" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Regulation of Outdoor Advertising"> <level label="a"> <text>Each application for a permit under this part:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Shall be made on a form provided by the Administration;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Shall be signed by the applicant; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Shall include the information required by this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Each application for an outdoor sign permit shall include:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The name of the county and election district and the approximate distance from the nearest municipal corporation where the applicant proposes to erect or maintain the sign;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A statement as to whether or not the proposed location is within any area over which the General Assembly has granted zoning powers to any agency and, if the proposed location is within such an area:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The name of that area; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A certificate that satisfies the Administration that the appropriate agency has approved the erection or maintenance of the sign;</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Specifications as to each of the following:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The dimensions and the area in square feet of advertising surface on the sign, as contained within a line drawn around the outer edge of its advertising matter, pictorial design, and all border and trim;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The distance from the ground to the top of the sign;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The material used in the construction of the sign; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>The distance from the sign to the nearest highway;</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>A plat that accurately shows, for the area within 500 feet of the sign:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The proposed location of the sign with reference to the location of each State highway;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The location of the boundaries of the State highway; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The relative location of any intersection at grade of the State highway with another highway or with a railroad; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Any other plats or information that the Administration considers necessary to determine whether the sign qualifies for a permit under § 8-716 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-716" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Regulation of Outdoor Advertising"> <text>The Administration may not issue a permit under this part for any outdoor sign if:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The area of its advertising surface, as required to be specified in the application, exceeds 1,000 square feet;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>It might affect adversely the safety of public travel on any State highway by dangerously obstructing the clear view of the highway by the driver of a motor vehicle on it;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>It is lighted in a way that makes it dangerous to drive a motor vehicle on a State highway; or</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>It is located, as to any intersection at grade of a State highway with another highway or with a railroad:</text> <level label="i"> <text>At any point where it obstructs or interferes with the view of a train or other vehicle approaching the intersection; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>At any other point where it is dangerous to the public in any way.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-717" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Regulation of Outdoor Advertising"> <level label="a"> <text>Each permit issued under this part expires on the April 30 after its issuance.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>A permit issued under this part may be renewed annually on application and payment of the required fee.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the renewal fee for a permit is not paid by July 1 of a permit year, the Administration may charge a $5 late fee for the permit.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>If the renewal fee for a permit is not paid by October 1 of a permit year, the Administration may remove the outdoor sign for which the fee is not paid, as provided in Part VI of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-718" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Regulation of Outdoor Advertising"> <level label="a"> <text>Each applicant for a permit or the renewal of a permit under this part shall pay an annual fee established by the Administration, based as to each outdoor sign on the area of its advertising surface.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>If a permit is issued in any month after May, the fee for that permit shall be prorated according to the number of months, including the month of its issuance, that remain in the license year, but the fee may not be less than $1.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-719" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Regulation of Outdoor Advertising"> <level label="a"> <text>The Administration shall issue a permit under this part to any applicant who has complied with the requirements of this part.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The permits issued under this part shall be numbered consecutively.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-720" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Regulation of Outdoor Advertising"> <text>Any person whose application for a permit under this part is rejected by the Administration may appeal to the circuit court for the county in which the outdoor sign is to be located. The appeal shall be heard de novo.</text> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-721" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Regulation of Outdoor Advertising"> <text>On each outdoor sign for which a permit is required under this part, there shall be written plainly, in the manner that the Administration requires:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The name and mailing address of the person owning or controlling the sign; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The number and expiration date of the permit for the sign.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-722" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Regulation of Outdoor Advertising"> <level label="a"> <text>Except for payment of the annual fee required by § 8-718 of this subtitle, this part does not affect any outdoor sign in existence on June 1, 1931, unless the sign:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Affects adversely the safety of public travel on any State highway by dangerously obstructing the clear view of the highway by the driver of a motor vehicle on it; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Is lighted in a way that makes it dangerous to drive a motor vehicle on any State highway.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>If the outdoor sign affects adversely the safety of public travel or is dangerously lighted as described in subsection (a) of this section, the Administration may remove the sign as provided in Part VI of this subtitle, after 15 days’ written notice and an opportunity to be heard.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Any person whose outdoor sign is ordered removed under this section may appeal to the circuit court for the county in which the sign is located. The appeal shall be heard de novo.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-725" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Regulation of Outdoor Advertising"> <level label="a"> <text>In this part the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>In this definition, “commercial or industrial activity” means any activity generally recognized as commercial or industrial by local zoning authorities in this State, except for the following activities:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Outdoor advertising;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Agricultural, forestry, ranching, grazing, farming, and related activities, including wayside fresh produce stands;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Activities normally or regularly in operation less than 3 months of the year;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Transient or temporary activities;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Activities conducted in a building principally used as a residence; and</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>Railroad tracks and minor sidings.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Commercial or industrial area” means any area along the side of a highway:</text> <level label="i"> <text>That is reserved under a local zoning ordinance or regulation for business, commerce, or trade;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>That is not zoned and on which there are located one or more permanent structures devoted to a commercial or industrial activity or on which a commercial or industrial activity is conducted, whether or not a permanent structure is located there, including the area that, along or parallel to the edge or pavement of that side of the highway, extends 660 feet from the outer edges of the regularly used buildings, parking lots, or storage or processing areas of the commercial or industrial activity.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Double–faced” means abutting and facing the same direction.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Federal–aid primary highway” means any State highway that is part of the national federal–aid primary system as of June 1, 1991, or any highway on the national highway system, as designated by the Administration and approved by the United States Secretary of Transportation under Title 23 of the United States Code.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Scenic byway” means a transportation corridor designated by the Administration as having special scenic, historic, recreational, cultural, archaeological, or natural qualities that have been recognized as such through legislation or some other official declaration.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-726" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Regulation of Outdoor Advertising"> <level label="a"> <text>The General Assembly finds and declares that, except for on premise advertising, outdoor advertising along and adjacent to the federal-aid primary system of highways is a commercial use of these highways that should be regulated to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Prevent unreasonable distraction of the drivers of motor vehicles;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Prevent confusion as to traffic lights, signs, controls, or signals, and prevent interference with the effectiveness of traffic regulations;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Promote the prosperity, economic well-being, health, safety, morals, order, convenience, and general welfare of this State;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Promote the enjoyment of travel on and protection of the public investment in highways in this State; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Preserve and enhance the natural scenic beauty or esthetic features and values of these highways and their adjacent areas.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>It is a policy of this State that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The erection and maintenance of outdoor advertising along the rights-of-way of the federal-aid primary system of highways in this State should be limited and regulated in accordance with this part and the rules and regulations adopted by the Administration under it; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>All outdoor advertising that does not meet the requirements of this part and these rules and regulations is not in the public interest.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>By enacting this part, the General Assembly intends to provide a statutory basis for the regulation of outdoor advertising consistent with the public policy for areas adjacent to federal-aid primary highways, as declared by the Congress in the federal Highway Beautification Act of 1965 and the Federal-Aid Highway Amendment of 1974.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>This part shall be liberally construed to carry out the legislative policy stated in this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-727" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Regulation of Outdoor Advertising"> <level label="a"> <text>Except as otherwise provided in this section, this part regulates the erection and maintenance of an outdoor sign along or near a federal-aid primary highway, only if:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The sign is wholly or partly visible from the main traveled way of the highway; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The sign is:</text> <level label="i"> <text>660 feet or less from the nearest edge of the right-of-way of the highway; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>More than 660 feet from the nearest edge of the right-of-way of the highway, and intended to be read from the main traveled way of the highway.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Except as provided in §§ 8-734 and 8-735 of this subtitle as to the removal of nonconforming signs, this part does not apply to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>An outdoor sign that is 660 feet or less from the nearest edge of a federal-aid primary highway, if the sign was erected on or before July 1, 1968; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An outdoor sign that is more than 660 feet from the nearest edge of a federal-aid primary highway, if the sign was erected on or before July 1, 1975.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>This part does not apply to on premise outdoor signs.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-728" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Regulation of Outdoor Advertising"> <text>A person may not use his property or allow his property to be used by any other person for the erection or maintenance of any outdoor sign along or near any federal-aid primary highway, unless:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The sign is in a commercial or industrial area; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The sign is:</text> <level label="i"> <text>In an urban area; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>More than 660 feet from the nearest edge of the right-of-way of the highway.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-729" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Regulation of Outdoor Advertising"> <level label="a"> <text>A person may not erect or maintain any outdoor sign along or near any federal-aid primary highway, unless the person has a permit issued by the Administration for that sign.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A permit required by this section shall be issued in the same manner and is subject to the same annual permit fee and other requirements and limitations as are provided for a permit issued under Part III of this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-730" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Regulation of Outdoor Advertising"> <level label="a"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, the Administration may not issue a permit for any outdoor sign along or near any federal–aid primary highway, if the sign:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Imitates or resembles any official traffic sign, signal, or device;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Is erected or maintained on any tree or painted or drawn on any rock or other natural feature;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Is erected or maintained in a way that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Obscures or otherwise interferes with the effectiveness of an official traffic sign, signal, or device; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Obstructs or interferes with a driver’s view of approaching, merging, or intersecting traffic;</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Is located within 250 feet of any public park, public forest, playground, or cemetery that is adjacent to a federal–aid primary highway; or</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Is along or near a scenic byway located on the federal–aid primary highway.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>This subsection applies only in Calvert County and St. Mary’s County.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Administration may, in conformance with federal law, issue a permit for an outdoor sign along or near a scenic byway located on a federal–aid primary highway if the sign:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Was erected on or before January 1, 2008; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Is a directional sign for a facility that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Sells principally local agricultural or aquacultural products; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Is located within a 5–mile radius of the sign.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A sign erected under this subsection shall be erected and maintained in a manner that is safe and does not detract from the scenic or cultural character of the scenic byway along which the sign is located.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-731" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Regulation of Outdoor Advertising"> <level label="a"> <text>The size of an outdoor sign along or near a federal-aid primary highway shall conform to the limitations specified in this section.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>For purposes of this section, the area of a sign shall be measured by any combination of the smallest square, rectangle, triangle, or circle that will encompass the entire sign, including its border and trim but excluding any ornamental base, apron supports, or other structural members.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>An outdoor sign may not have an area greater than 1,000 square feet, with a maximum height of 25 feet and a maximum length of 50 feet.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>An outdoor sign structure may contain one or two signs per facing and may be double-faced, back-to-back, or v-type, but the total area of any facing may not exceed 800 square feet.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An outdoor sign that exceeds 400 square feet may not be double-faced.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-732" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Regulation of Outdoor Advertising"> <level label="a"> <text>In this section, “centerline” means:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The centerline of the main traveled way of a nondivided highway; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A line equidistant from the edges of the median separating the main traveled ways of a divided highway.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The location of an outdoor sign structure located between highways entering into or intersecting the main traveled way of any federal-aid primary highway shall conform to the minimum spacing criteria specified in this section, to be applied separately to each side of the federal-aid primary highway.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>If the distance between the centerlines of intersecting highways is less than 1,000 feet, a maximum of three sign structures, whether double-faced, back-to-back, or v-type, may be permitted between the intersecting highways, and the minimum spacing between the structures shall be 100 feet.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>If the distance between the centerlines of intersecting highways is 1,000 feet or more, the minimum spacing between sign structures, whether double-faced, back-to-back, or v-type, shall be 300 feet.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>For purposes of this subsection, the following rules apply.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Alleys, undeveloped rights-of-way, private roads, and driveways may not be regarded as intersecting highways.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Only highways that enter directly into the main traveled way of the federal-aid primary highway may be regarded as intersecting.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Official and “on premise” signs, as defined in Title 23, § 131(c) of the United States Code, may not be counted, and measurements may not be made from them for purposes of determining compliance with the spacing requirements.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The minimum distance between signs shall be measured along the nearest edge of the pavement between points directly opposite the signs.</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>The minimum spacing criteria specified in this section do not apply to sign structures separated by a building or other obstruction so that only one sign structure is visible from any one place on the main traveled way.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-733" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Regulation of Outdoor Advertising"> <level label="a"> <text>Except as otherwise provided by law, an outdoor sign along or near a federal-aid primary highway may be lighted, but is subject to the restrictions specified in this section.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A sign that includes or is lighted by any flashing, intermittent, or moving light is prohibited, unless that sign is giving public service information such as time, date, temperature, weather, or similar information.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A sign that is not effectively shielded so as to prevent its light beams or rays from being directed at any part of the main traveled ways of the federal-aid primary highway is prohibited, if the beams or rays:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Are of such intensity or brillance as to cause glare or impair the vision of the driver of any motor vehicle; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Otherwise interfere with any driver’s operation of a motor vehicle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>A sign may not be lighted in any way that obscures or otherwise interferes with the effectiveness of an official traffic sign, signal, or device.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-734" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Regulation of Outdoor Advertising"> <level label="a"> <text>If appropriate matching federal funds are available to this State under the federal Highway Beautification Act of 1965 and the Federal-Aid Highway Amendment of 1974, the Administration shall acquire, by purchase, gift, or condemnation, and remove any outdoor sign that, on July 1, 1975, lawfully existed along or near any federal-aid primary highway and that does not comply with this part.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>In controlling outdoor signs adjacent to federal-aid primary highways under the federal Highway Beautification Act of 1965, the Federal-Aid Highway Amendment of 1974, and any related agreement between the Administration and the federal government, the Administration is not required to remove any sign that advertises a natural wonder or a scenic or historical attraction, if the sign conforms to national standards for such signs under Title 23 of the United States Code.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-735" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Regulation of Outdoor Advertising"> <level label="a"> <text>The Administration may acquire, by purchase, gift, or condemnation, and remove any outdoor sign:</text> <level label="1"> <text>That lawfully existed along or near any federal-aid primary highway on July 1, 1975;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>That was lawfully erected and, after July 1, 1975, became nonconforming; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>That lawfully existed along or near any highway that was made a part of the federal-aid primary system on or after October 22, 1965.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The Administration may pay compensation under this section only for:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The taking from the owner of the outdoor sign of all interest in the sign; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The taking from the owner of the land on which the outdoor sign is located of the right to erect and maintain outdoor signs at that location.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Administration may not spend funds to control outdoor signs under the federal Highway Beautification Act of 1965 and the Federal-Aid Highway Amendment of 1974, until appropriate matching federal funds are available to this State under these acts.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-736" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Regulation of Outdoor Advertising"> <level label="a"> <text>The political subdivisions of this State have full authority, under their respective zoning powers:</text> <level label="1"> <text>To zone areas for commercial or industrial purposes; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In these areas, to govern the size, spacing, and lighting of outdoor signs.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Notwithstanding any provision of this part or any rule or regulation of the Administration:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Local zoning regulations that relate to outdoor signs in commercial or industrial areas shall govern within the zoned area; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If a political subdivision adopts comprehensive zoning that includes the regulation of outdoor signs:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The Administration may so certify to the Federal Highway Administrator; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>On certification, the control of outdoor signs in commercial or industrial areas transfers to the political subdivision.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-737" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Regulation of Outdoor Advertising"> <level label="a"> <text>A county or municipality may not remove an outdoor sign which is adjacent to a federal-aid primary highway and which was lawfully erected and maintained under State law and in existence or in litigation on or after November 6, 1978 unless just compensation is paid by the Administration.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Administration is not required to spend any funds under this section until appropriate matching federal funds are available to the State.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The provisions of subsection (a) of this section shall not apply to any outdoor sign which is not eligible for matching federal funds.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-739" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Regulation of Outdoor Advertising"> <text>In this part, “expressway” includes an interstate highway.</text> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-740" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Regulation of Outdoor Advertising"> <level label="a"> <text>Except as otherwise provided in this section, this part regulates the erection and maintenance of an outdoor sign along or near an expressway, only if:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The sign is 660 feet or less from the nearest edge of the right-of-way of the expressway; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The sign is:</text> <level label="i"> <text>More than 660 feet from the nearest edge of the right-of-way of the expressway;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Wholly or partly visible from the main traveled way of the expressway; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Intended to be read from the main traveled way of the expressway.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Except as provided in § 8-743 of this subtitle as to the removal of nonconforming signs, this part does not apply to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>An outdoor sign that is 660 feet or less from the nearest edge of the right-of-way of an expressway, if the sign was erected on or before June 1, 1959; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An outdoor sign that is more than 660 feet from the nearest edge of the right-of-way of an expressway, if the sign was erected on or before July 1, 1975.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-741" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Regulation of Outdoor Advertising"> <text>A person that owns property may not use the property or allow the property to be used by any other person for the erection or maintenance of any outdoor sign along or near any expressway, unless the sign is located in an urban area and:</text> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <text>Is 660 feet or less from the nearest edge of the right–of–way of the expressway;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Is located in a commercial or industrial zone that is within a locally designated geographic area of signage control that has been adopted as part of comprehensive rezoning regarding signage; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Has received a permit from the Administration in accordance with § 8–744 of this subtitle; or</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>More than 660 feet from the nearest edge of the right–of–way of the expressway.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-742" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Regulation of Outdoor Advertising"> <text>This part does not prohibit the erection or maintenance of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Any on premise outdoor sign that complies with § 8-744 of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any outdoor sign used to identify a church or a historical monument or location, if the sign is erected in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Administration; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Any outdoor sign along a highway that is not an expressway, even if the highway runs parallel or partially parallel to an expressway, if the sign faces that highway.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-743" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Regulation of Outdoor Advertising"> <level label="a"> <text>The Administration may acquire, by purchase, gift, or condemnation, and remove any outdoor sign that, on July 1, 1975, lawfully existed along or near any expressway and that does not comply with this part.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The Administration may pay compensation under this section only for:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The taking from the owner of the outdoor sign of all interest in the sign; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The taking from the owner of the land on which the outdoor sign is located of the right to erect and maintain outdoor signs at that location.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Administration is not required to spend any funds under the federal Highway Beautification Act of 1965 and the Federal-Aid Highway Amendment of 1974, until appropriate matching federal funds are available to this State under these acts.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Compensation may not be paid for any outdoor sign erected after July 1, 1975, in violation of this part.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-744" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Regulation of Outdoor Advertising"> <level label="a"> <text>On premise outdoor signs are permitted along expressways in accordance with the local zoning laws or ordinances that are in effect in the political subdivision through which the expressway passes, if these local zoning laws or ordinances embrace and regulate outdoor advertising.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>For any area in which local zoning laws or ordinances are not in effect or for which the local zoning laws or ordinances do not embrace outdoor advertising:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The Administration may adopt rules and regulations governing on premise signs along expressways; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If local zoning laws or ordinances embracing outdoor advertising later are adopted, the local zoning prevails.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>A person may not erect or maintain any outdoor sign along or near any expressway unless the person has a permit issued by the Administration for that sign.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>There is no fee or bond requirement for a permit issued under this subsection.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-745" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Regulation of Outdoor Advertising"> <level label="a"> <text>A county or municipality may not remove an outdoor sign which is adjacent to an interstate highway and which was lawfully erected and maintained under State law and in existence or in litigation on or after November 6, 1978 unless just compensation is paid by the Administration.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Administration is not required to spend any funds under this section until appropriate matching federal funds are available to the State.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The provisions of subsection (a) of this section shall not apply to any outdoor sign which is not eligible for matching federal funds.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-747" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Regulation of Outdoor Advertising"> <text>Except as otherwise provided in this subtitle, before any outdoor advertising license or outdoor sign permit may be issued or renewed under this subtitle to any person who is not a resident of this State, the person shall execute and file with the Administration a bond to this State, with surety approved by the Administration, in the amount of $1,000 and conditioned that the obligor:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Will pay to this State all money required to be paid by him under this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Will comply with all of the provisions of this subtitle and the rules and regulations adopted under it.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-748" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Regulation of Outdoor Advertising"> <level label="a"> <text>If any outdoor sign is erected or maintained contrary to the provisions of this subtitle, the Administration may remove it after 15 days’ written notice to the person owning or controlling the sign.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>All signs removed by the Administration under this section become the property of the Administration.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-749" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Regulation of Outdoor Advertising"> <text>Any person who violates any provision of this subtitle is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $500.</text> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-750" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Regulation of Outdoor Advertising"> <level label="a"> <text>In this part the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Bus passenger shelter” means a shelter located at a designated transit bus stop for the convenience of passengers of a public transportation system owned and operated by a governmental unit, public authority, or transit operator.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Commercial advertising sign” means any sign, display, or device designed, intended, or used to encourage or promote the purchase or use of goods or services.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-751" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Regulation of Outdoor Advertising"> <text>The Administration may, consistent with Division II of the State Finance and Procurement Article, enter into agreements for the construction, operation, and maintenance of bus passenger shelters displaying commercial advertising signs on the rights-of-way of State highways, subject to applicable federal requirements and to any terms and conditions prescribed by the Administration, including the payment of compensation.</text> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-752" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Regulation of Outdoor Advertising"> <level label="a"> <text>Subject to any applicable provisions of this section, a municipal corporation or a county that owns or operates a transit system or in which a transit system operates or a transit operator may enter into an agreement to construct, operate, and maintain bus passenger shelters on a State right-of-way.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>An agreement under this section may allow commercial advertising signs to be displayed on bus passenger shelters consistent with applicable State, local, and federal law.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A municipal corporation shall apply to the Administration for a permit to erect bus passenger shelters on State rights-of-way located within the municipal corporation.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>A county shall apply to the Administration for a permit to erect bus passenger shelters on State rights-of-way located within the county but not within a municipal corporation.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>With the concurrence of the municipal corporation, a county shall apply to the Administration for a permit to erect bus passenger shelters on State rights-of-way that are located within a municipal corporation.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>A transit operator shall apply to the Administration for a permit to erect bus passenger shelters:</text> <level label="1"> <text>On State rights-of-way located within a municipal corporation, with the concurrence of the municipal corporation; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>On State rights-of-way located within an unincorporated area, with the concurrence of the county.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>On receipt of an application for a permit to erect a bus passenger shelter, the Administration may issue a permit under § 8-646 of this title after determining that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The location, design, and construction of the bus passenger shelter do not interfere with vehicular or pedestrian safety; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The construction of the bus passenger shelter, including any commercial advertising signs displayed on the bus passenger shelter, conforms with applicable State, local, and federal law.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A permit for a bus passenger shelter shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Include a provision requiring continued compliance with the requirements under paragraph (1) of this subsection;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Include a provision that the State is not responsible to any party to an agreement under this section for any costs resulting from enforcement of the permit; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Serve as an agreement with the State as may be required under applicable federal regulation.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Administration may not unreasonably withhold approval of a permit under this subsection to a municipal corporation, county, or transit operator that has complied with the provisions of this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <text>Notwithstanding subsection (a) of this section, the Administration may enter into agreements to construct, operate, and maintain bus passenger shelters at fixed-route bus stops used by the Maryland Transit Administration.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-755" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Regulation of Outdoor Advertising"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Department” means the Department of Commerce.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Program” means the Tourist Area and Corridor Signage Program.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>There is a Tourist Area and Corridor Signage Program.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The purpose of the Program is to create a system of supplemental guide signs to direct motorists to eligible individual attractions by directing the motorists first to groups of attractions.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Administration, in collaboration with the Department, shall administer the Program.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <text>The Administration and the Department shall develop standards and procedures for determining the eligibility of an attraction for a sign.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>If the Department provides an initial approval of an attraction’s application based on the criteria established under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph, the Department, in coordination with the requesting attraction, shall prepare a signage plan and submit the signage plan to the Administration for review.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>The Administration shall review the signage plan for compliance with federal, State, and local laws and regulations and right–of–way laws and regulations.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>In reviewing a signage plan, the Administration may consult with other State agencies and offices.</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <level label="1"> <text>As part of the review required under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph, the Administration shall investigate whether there is space available at the proposed site along the State highway for a sign for the attraction.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Approval of a signage plan is subject to space availability based on the Administration’s regulations and requirements.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="i"> <level label="1"> <text>If the Administration approves a signage plan and issues a required permit to the attraction, the attraction shall design, fabricate, and install the signs in the signage plan using standards and specifications approved by the Administration.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The attraction shall bear all costs for the design, fabrication, and installation of the signs in the signage plan.</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>An attraction that applies for a sign shall pay an amount the Administration considers appropriate for the review of each sign included in the signage plan and the issuance of all required permits.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>The Administration may charge an attraction a reasonable annual administrative fee to administer and manage the Program for the duration that each sign in the signage plan is installed.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>An attraction’s sign may be removed by the Administration if the attraction fails to pay the annual administrative fee.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The attraction shall be responsible for maintaining, removing, and replacing signs at the direction of the Administration if an existing approved sign is determined to be noncompliant with Program requirements for reasons including damage, fading, or safety concerns.</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The Administration may remove any attraction sign that does not comply with the requirements of the Program.</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>An attraction whose sign is removed under subparagraph (iii) of this paragraph shall resubmit new or replacement signage for review and approval.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <level label="1"> <text>The Administration may amend the Program if the Administration determines that the Program may result in a sanction by the Federal Highway Administration, including a decrease in federal funds provided to the State for highway use.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Administration shall notify the following legislative committees at least 30 days before amending the Program to avoid a sanction:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The Senate Finance Committee;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The Senate Budget and Taxation Committee;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The House Environment and Transportation Committee; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>The House Appropriations Committee.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <level label="1"> <text>To be eligible for signage, an attraction may not, based on a determination by the Administration and the Department, already be well–signed on a Tourist Area Corridor.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An attraction may not bring reputational harm to the State.</text> </level> </level> <level label="i"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a sign developed under the Program may include only the following elements:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The name of the attraction;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A directional arrow to guide individuals to the attraction; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The approximate mileage to the attraction from the location of the sign.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A sign may include a generic symbol used to represent a category of attractions identified by the Department if, on the request of the Department, the Administration determines that there is a generic symbol approved for use in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-801" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="8" subtitle_name="Junk and Scrap Yards"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Automobile graveyard” means an establishment or place of business that is maintained, operated, or used for storing wrecked, scrapped, ruined, or dismantled motor vehicles or motor vehicle parts.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Automotive dismantler and recycler facility” means an establishment or place of business that is maintained, operated, or used for storing, keeping, buying, or selling wrecked, scrapped, ruined, or dismantled motor vehicles or motor vehicle parts. All requirements in any statute, rule, or regulation applicable to automobile graveyards also apply to automobile dismantler and recycler facilities.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Junk” means old or scrap copper, brass, rope, rags, batteries, paper, trash, rubber debris, waste, iron, steel, and any other old or scrap material.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Junkyard” means an establishment or place of business that is maintained, operated, or used:</text> <level label="1"> <text>For storing, keeping, buying, or selling junk;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>For an automobile graveyard; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>As a garbage dump or sanitary fill.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>“Main traveled way” has the meaning stated in § 8–701 of this title.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>“Primary highway” means any State highway that is designated under this title as a primary highway and approved by the United States Secretary of Transportation under Title 23 of the United States Code.</text> </level> <level label="h"> <text>“Scrap metal processing facility” means an establishment:</text> <level label="1"> <text>That has facilities for processing iron, steel, or nonferrous scrap metal; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The principal product of which is scrap iron, scrap steel, or nonferrous scrap for sale only for resmelting purposes.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-802" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="8" subtitle_name="Junk and Scrap Yards"> <text>The General Assembly of Maryland finds and declares that, to promote the public safety, health, welfare, convenience, and enjoyment of public travel, to protect the public investments in highways, and to preserve and enhance the scenic beauty of lands bordering public highways:</text> <level label="1"> <text>It is in the public interest to regulate and restrict the establishment, operation, and maintenance of automotive dismantler or recycler facilities, scrap metal processing facilities, and junkyards near the interstate and primary highways in this State; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Junkyards, automotive dismantler or recycler facilities, and scrap metal processing facilities are to conform to the requirements of this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-803" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="8" subtitle_name="Junk and Scrap Yards"> <level label="a"> <text>A person may not establish, operate, or maintain any new junkyard, automotive dismantler and recycler facility, or scrap metal processing facility or expand the area of any existing junkyard or automotive dismantler and recycler facility, if any part of the junkyard or facility is within 1,000 feet of the nearest edge of the right-of-way of any interstate or primary highway and is visible from the main traveled way of that highway, unless the person is licensed by the Administration under this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>This section does not apply to any junkyard or facility that was in existence on or before January 1, 1968, unless the area of its operation is expanded.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-804" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="8" subtitle_name="Junk and Scrap Yards"> <level label="a"> <text>Each application for a license under this subtitle:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Shall be made on a form provided by the Administration; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Shall include the information that the Administration requires for consideration of the application.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Each license issued under this subtitle expires on the December 31 after its issuance and may be renewed annually on application and payment of the required fee.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-805" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="8" subtitle_name="Junk and Scrap Yards"> <level label="a"> <text>Each applicant for a license or the renewal of a license under this subtitle shall pay an annual fee established by the Administration.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>If a license is issued in any month after December, the fee for that license shall be prorated according to the number of months, including the month of its issuance, that remain in the license year.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-806" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="8" subtitle_name="Junk and Scrap Yards"> <text>The Administration shall issue a license under this subtitle to any applicant who has complied with the requirements of this subtitle.</text> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-807" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="8" subtitle_name="Junk and Scrap Yards"> <level label="a"> <text>The Administration may not issue a license under this subtitle for the establishment, operation, or maintenance of any new junkyard, automotive dismantler and recycler facility, or scrap metal processing facility or for the expansion of any existing junkyard, automotive dismantler and recycler facility, or scrap metal processing facility if any part of the junkyard or facility is within 1,000 feet of the nearest edge of the right-of-way of any interstate or primary highway, unless the junkyard or facility is:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Screened by natural objects, plantings, fences, or other appropriate means so as not to be visible from the main traveled way of the highway;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Otherwise not visible from the main traveled way of the highway;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Located in an area that is zoned for industrial use under authority of local law; or</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Located in an area that is not zoned for industrial use, but that is used for industrial activities as determined by the Administration with the approval of the United States Secretary of Transportation under the federal Highway Beautification Act of 1965.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>This section does not permit the Administration to preempt any zoning act or ordinance of any political subdivision. If a political subdivision later zones any area for a use that conflicts with a determination of the Administration, the determination of the Administration is void.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-808" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="8" subtitle_name="Junk and Scrap Yards"> <level label="a"> <text>The Administration may adopt rules and regulations that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>It considers necessary to govern the establishment, operation, screening, fencing, and maintenance of any junkyard, automotive dismantler and recycler facility, or scrap metal processing facility that is required to be licensed under this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Consistent with the national standards adopted by the United States Secretary of Transportation under Title 23 of the United States Code, are necessary for the safety, welfare, and enjoyment of the traveling public.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>Before a rule or regulation may be adopted under this subtitle, notice of a public hearing on the rule or regulation shall be published once a week for 2 successive weeks in at least two newspapers of general circulation in this State. The notice shall specify a time and place for the public hearing.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>After the hearing, the Administration may adopt the proposed rule or regulation.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-809" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="8" subtitle_name="Junk and Scrap Yards"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, if a junkyard, automotive dismantler and recycler facility, or scrap metal processing facility that lawfully existed on January 1, 1968, is within 1,000 feet of the nearest edge of the right-of-way of an interstate or primary highway, is visible from the main traveled way of that highway, and is not located in an area described in § 8-807(a)(3) or (4) of this subtitle, the Administration shall screen the junkyard or facility so that it is not visible from the main traveled way of the highway.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A junkyard or facility shall be screened under this section:</text> <level label="i"> <text>If feasible, on the highway right-of-way; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Otherwise, on other property acquired for that purpose.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>If the Administration determines that the topography of the land or economic factors prevent adequate screening of a junkyard, automotive dismantler and recycler facility, or scrap metal processing facility under this section, the Administration, with the approval of the local government, shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Acquire any real property necessary to relocate the junkyard or facility; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Pay the costs of relocating, removing, or disposing of the junkyard or facility.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, property may be acquired under Subtitle 3 of this title for any purpose specified in this section.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Property to relocate a junkyard, automotive dismantler and recycler facility, or scrap metal processing facility under subsection (b) of this section may be acquired by condemnation only if the property is located in an area zoned for industrial use or in an unzoned area that is used for an industrial activity.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-810" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="8" subtitle_name="Junk and Scrap Yards"> <text>The Administration may not spend funds under this subtitle to pay the cost of screening or relocating any junkyard, automotive dismantler and recycler facility, or scrap metal processing facility until appropriate matching federal funds are available to this State under the federal Highway Beautification Act of 1965.</text> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-811" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="8" subtitle_name="Junk and Scrap Yards"> <text>This subtitle does not abrogate or affect any statute, ordinance, regulation, or resolution that is more restrictive in the regulation of junkyards, automotive dismantler and recycler facilities, or scrap metal processing facilities than this subtitle.</text> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-812" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="8" subtitle_name="Junk and Scrap Yards"> <level label="a"> <text>If a junkyard, automotive dismantler and recycler facility, or scrap metal processing facility is in violation of any provision of this subtitle, the Administration may apply for an injunction to a court of equity in the county where the junkyard or facility is located.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>Any person who violates any provision of this subtitle or of any rule or regulation adopted under it is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $100.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the Administration gives written notice to a person that he is in violation of any provision of this subtitle or of a rule or regulation adopted under it, each day that the violation continues after the thirtieth day after the notice is received constitutes a separate offense.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-901" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Complete Streets Program"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Certified jurisdiction” means a local government that has been certified by the Department in accordance with § 8–905 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Complete streets” means streets that provide accommodations for users of multiple modes of transportation.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Complete streets design features” has the meaning stated in § 2–112 of this article.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Complete streets policy” means a law, a bylaw, an ordinance, or an administrative policy adopted by a local government in accordance with § 8–905 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>“Eligible project” means a local government or State highway, street, or road retrofit project that includes the addition of or significant repair to facilities that provide access for users of multiple modes of transportation.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>“Green stormwater infrastructure” means infrastructure implemented using best management practices that reduce the volume of stormwater runoff through infiltration, evapotranspiration, the beneficial reuse of water, or any other effective method.</text> </level> <level label="h"> <text>“Local government” means a county or municipality in the State.</text> </level> <level label="i"> <text>“Program” means the Complete Streets Program established under this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-902" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Complete Streets Program"> <text>There is a competitive matching grant program within the Department known as the “Complete Streets Program”.</text> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-903" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Complete Streets Program"> <level label="a"> <text>The purpose of the Program is to provide matching grants to certified jurisdictions to encourage:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The regular and routine inclusion of complete streets design features and infrastructure during the planning, design, construction, and reconstruction of new or existing locally funded roads;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The adoption of urban retrofit street ordinances designed to provide safe access to users of multiple modes of transportation; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The development of ranking systems for complete streets projects that consider the needs of underinvested and underserved communities in specific geographic regions of the State.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The goals of the Program are to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Promote healthy communities by encouraging the use of multiple modes of transportation other than single–occupancy motor vehicles;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Improve safety by designing streets to include design features such as:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Wider sidewalks;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Dedicated bike facilities;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Medians;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Pedestrian streetscape design features; and</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Green stormwater infrastructure;</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Protect the environment and improve water quality by using green stormwater infrastructure to reduce stormwater runoff from rights–of–way;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Reduce congestion by providing safe alternatives to single–occupancy motor vehicle driving;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Preserve community character by:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Involving local and diverse communities and stakeholders in planning, prioritization, and design decisions; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Facilitating access to retail stores that provide healthy foods and other necessities, especially in food deserts designated under § 6–308(c) of the Housing and Community Development Article; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Provide for the equitable distribution of complete streets funds that takes into consideration the needs of underinvested and underserved communities in specific geographic regions of the State.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-904" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Complete Streets Program"> <text>Funds for the Program shall be as provided by the Governor in the State budget.</text> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-905" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Complete Streets Program"> <level label="a"> <text>A local government that has adopted a complete streets policy in accordance with subsection (b) of this section may apply to the Department for designation as a certified jurisdiction.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>A complete streets policy adopted by a local government shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Identify the body, entity, or individual responsible for implementing the Program;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Require the development of procedures to follow when conducting local road repairs, upgrades, or expansion projects to incorporate complete streets design features;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Facilitate projects to achieve the goals established under § 8–903(b) of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Require the establishment of a review process for private development proposals to ensure complete streets components are incorporated into new construction according to terms specified by the local government;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>Set a 5–year goal for an increased mode share of specified modes of transportation other than single–occupancy motor vehicles;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>Require the development of a program to meet the goal established under item (v) of this paragraph;</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>Comply with any other requirements that the Department considers necessary; and</text> </level> <level label="viii"> <text>Be approved by the Department.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A local government shall hold at least one public hearing prior to the adoption of a complete streets policy.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-906" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Complete Streets Program"> <level label="a"> <text>A certified jurisdiction may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Apply for matching grants from the Program; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Use matching grant funds only for costs associated with:</text> <level label="i"> <text>The implementation of the complete streets policy, including the development and updates of policies, ordinances, procedures, and design manuals; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The design and planning of eligible projects.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A certified jurisdiction that receives a matching grant shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Maintain and update its complete streets policy;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Coordinate with the Department to confirm the accuracy of the baseline inventory of pedestrian and bicycle accommodations to identify priority projects;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Submit an annual progress report to the Department, in a form and manner prescribed by the Department; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Comply with any other requirements that the Department considers necessary.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-907" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Complete Streets Program"> <text>The Secretary shall adopt regulations to carry out this subtitle.</text> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-908" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Complete Streets Program"> <level label="a"> <text>On or before December 31 each year, the Department shall submit a report to the Senate Finance Committee, Senate Budget and Taxation Committee, House Appropriations Committee, House Environment and Transportation Committee, and Baltimore City Delegation to the General Assembly, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, on the status of the Program.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The report required under subsection (a) of this section shall include:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The status of any grant projects funded by the Program; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A discussion of whether there is a need to reevaluate the Program to ensure that it is meeting the goals stated in § 8–903(b) of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The report required under subsection (a) of this section shall be made available on the Department’s website.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-1001" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="10" subtitle_name="Vision Zero"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Coordinator” means the individual designated by the Department to oversee the implementation of Vision Zero throughout the State.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Vision Zero” means a program for planning and developing a State roadway system that has zero vehicle–related deaths or serious injuries.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-1002" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="10" subtitle_name="Vision Zero"> <text>There is a program within the Department known as Vision Zero.</text> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-1003" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="10" subtitle_name="Vision Zero"> <level label="a"> <text>The purpose of Vision Zero is to develop strategies to make roadways safer for drivers and passengers of motor vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The goal of Vision Zero is to have zero vehicle–related deaths or serious injuries on roadways by the year 2030.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-1004" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="10" subtitle_name="Vision Zero"> <level label="a"> <text>The Department shall designate a coordinator to oversee the implementation of Vision Zero throughout the State.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>In implementing Vision Zero, the coordinator shall collaborate with other State agencies and local authorities, including local transportation agencies, law enforcement agencies, educational institutions, and fire and rescue services, to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Identify strategies for achieving the Vision Zero goal established under § 8–1003(b) of this subtitle as enumerated under § 8–1005 of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Analyze infrastructure reviews completed under § 8–204.2 of this title;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Provide guidance on any other issue directly related to roadway safety; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Advise the Governor and State and local agencies on:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The implementation of Vision Zero;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Policies, programs, and services affecting traffic safety for pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers and passengers of motor vehicles; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Priorities and needs for roadway safety.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>The coordinator shall hold a quarterly public meeting on the implementation of Vision Zero with:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The Administrator or the Administrator’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Motor Vehicle Administrator or the Motor Vehicle Administrator’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Executive Director of the Maryland Transportation Authority or the Executive Director’s designee; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>A representative of the Office of the Secretary as designated by the Secretary.</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The coordinator may request that any other appropriate State or local official participate in or take questions at a quarterly public meeting.</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>At a quarterly public meeting, the participants identified under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Address and make recommendations on any Vision Zero development and implementation issues identified by the coordinator under paragraph (1)(i) of this subsection;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="A"> <text>Discuss each infrastructure review completed under § 8–204.2 of this title and analyzed by the coordinator; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="B"> <text>Vote to accept the infrastructure review or to return the infrastructure review to the person that conducted it for a response to questions or comments or for further review as appropriate; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Discuss and recommend any guidance or advice for the coordinator to provide under paragraph (1) of this subsection.</text> </level> </level> <level label="iv"> <level label="1"> <text>A quarterly public meeting shall be live streamed.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Department shall maintain on its website a complete and unedited archived video recording of each quarterly public meeting for a minimum of 5 years after the date of the meeting.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-1005" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="10" subtitle_name="Vision Zero"> <text>The implementation of Vision Zero shall include strategies for: </text> <level label="1"> <text>Identifying State and local laws, policies, and regulations that hinder the development and implementation of Vision Zero;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Proposing changes to State and local laws to allow for innovative engineering and traffic calming;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Creating a Vision Zero website that contains information related to Vision Zero;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Collecting and publishing motor vehicle collision data;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Connecting with other states and communities that have implemented a similar Vision Zero program;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Reviewing existing traffic safety programs to determine their effectiveness;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>Working with research organizations to develop best practices;</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>Prioritizing resources for investment in the communities most affected by motor vehicle collisions;</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>Proactively engaging community members to address their traffic safety concerns;</text> </level> <level label="10"> <text>Developing and publishing a long–term plan for the continued development of Vision Zero; and</text> </level> <level label="11"> <text>Investing more resources into construction needs for high–accident intersections and roadway sections.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-1006" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="10" subtitle_name="Vision Zero"> <text>Funds for Vision Zero shall be as provided by the Governor in the State budget.</text> </section> <section article="gtr" article_name="Transportation" number="8-1007" title_number="8" title_name="Highways" subtitle_number="10" subtitle_name="Vision Zero"> <level label="a"> <text>On or before December 31 each year, the Department shall submit a report to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly that includes:</text> <level label="1"> <text>The status of Vision Zero;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The activities, and any findings and recommendations, of the coordinator; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A summary of each quarterly public meeting held in the previous year.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Department shall make the report required under subsection (a) of this section available on its website.</text> </level> </section>