BI-COUNTY AGENCIES

THE MARYLAND-NATIONAL CAPITAL PARK AND
PLANNING COMMISSION

Chairman: Carlton E. Pyles, 1957

Vice-Chairman and Park Commissioner: Richard F. Green, 1965.
Commissioners: Herbert W. Wells, 1955; Robert M. Watkins, 1965;
Donald E. Gingery, 1965; Sydney M. Oliver, 1957.
Jesse F. Nicholson, Secretary-Treasurer
J. Bond Smith, General Counsel
8500 Colesville Road, Silver Spring Telephone: Sheperd 1480

This Commission has general planning and park jurisdiction over
the Maryland-Washington Metropolitan District created in 1927 and
the Maryland-Washington Regional District created in 1939. Both
districts are within Montgomery and Prince George's Counties ad-
joining the District of Columbia and embrace approximately 312
square miles. The 1950 estimated population of the entire Regional
District in both counties exceeds 300,000 people.

The 1950 estimated, taxable basis of the Montgomery County por-
tion of the Regional District is $289,052,810 and of the Metropolitan
District $283,561,030. The 1950 estimated taxable basis of the Prince
George's County portion of the Regional District is $181,441,072 and
of the Metropolitan District $161,179,149.

The Commission has been given, through bi-county enactments of
the Maryland General Assembly, definite jurisdiction over the plan-
ning of the Maryland-Washington Regional District, which includes
all of suburban Prince George's and Montgomery Counties and a
considerable portion of agricultural Montgomery County.

The Commission is composed of six members appointed by the
Governor. Two members must be residents and taxpayers of that
portion of the Maryland-Washington Metropolitan District within
Montgomery County; one may be a resident of any part of Montgom-
ery County; two must be residents and taxpayers of that portion of
the District within Prince George's County; and one may be a resi-
dent of any part of Prince George's County. Members have six-year
overlapping terms, the terms of two of the first appointees from each
county having been for four years. The Commission appoints a
Secretary-Treasurer and a General Counsel. Regional offices are
maintained in both counties.

Within the Maryland-Washington Metropolitan District, the Com-
mission is empowered to acquire, develop, maintain, and operate a
park system with recreational facilities, the expense of which is paid
from a separate park tax levied within the District. A recreational
program has been authorized in the parks and other public places,
revenue for which may be obtained from a special recreation tax or
county grants. The Commission is authorized to cooperate and nego-
tiate with Federal agencies for financial assistance under the terms
of the Capper-Cramton Act, and with other agencies in the park
development program.