Maryland's first Board of Public Works, a nine-
member body, was created in 1825 and abolished
three years later (Chapter 166, Acts of 1825, Chap-
ter 64, Acts of 1828). The Constitution of 1851
provided that four Commissioners of Public Works
would be popularly elected to represent four re-
gional districts of the State (Const. 1851, Art VII,
secs. 1-3). The Constitution of 1864 established
the three-member Board of Public Works com-
posed of the Governor, the Comptroller of the
Treasury, and the State Treasurer (Const. 1864,
Art. VII, secs. 1-3).
The Board of Public Works exercises such pow-
ers and duties as are prescribed in the Constitution
or delegated to it from time to time by the General
Assembly. The Board approves the expenditures of
all sums appropriated through State loans author-
ized by the General Assembly, as well as the expen-
ditures of all general and other funds appropriated
for capital improvements except those appropriated
for State roads, bridges, and highways.
The Board may borrow upon the credit of the
State at any time between the sessions of the
General Assembly, sums not to exceed $50,000 to
meet temporary deficits in the Treasury. In addi-
tion, the Board may borrow upon the credit of the
State total amounts not exceeding $1,000,000 in
anticipation of the collection of taxes or other
revenues, including the proceeds from the sale of
bonds. All such loans bear interest at a rate deter-
mined by the Board, and must mature and be repaid
at or before the end of the fiscal year in which the
money is borrowed (Const., Art. III, sec. 34).
The Board approves every new lease or renewal
for land, buildings, or office space before such
contracts are executed by any department, board,
commission, State officer, or institution of the
State. The sale, lease, or transfer of any real property
belonging to any State agency or institution must
be approved and the conveyance signed by the
Board and the highest official of the agency or
institution. Where no agency or institution claims
the property, the Board executes the conveyance.
It also may designate the location of any State
agency, after review by the Secretary of Budget and
Management.
The Board of Public Works is required to adopt
and promulgate rules, regulations, and procedures
for the administration of the State Public School
Construction Program. It also approves the alloca-
tions which are to be paid to each of the counties
and Baltimore City (Code 1957, Articles 15A, 23,
27, 31, 41, 43, 73B, 78A, 94A, Education Article,
Estates and Trusts Article, Environment Article,
Natural Resources Article, State Finance and Pro-
curement Article, State Government Article, Trans-
portation Article).
The Constitution requires the Board to meet in
Annapolis on the first Wednesday of January, April,

July, and October, and more often when necessary
(Const., Art. XII, secs. 1-3). Usually, meetings are
held weekly.

OFFICE OF SECRETARY

Sandra K. Reynold, Secretary

Goldstein Treasury Building, Room 213
80 Calvert St.
Annapolis, MD 21401 (410) 974-3443

The Secretary of the Board of Public Works
administers certain functions in connection with
matters brought before the Board. For Board meet-
ings, the office prepares one of several agendas
considered by the Board and schedules the appear-
ance of persons wishing to testify. The office notifies
all affected parties of actions taken by the Board and
prepares, distributes, and maintains the minutes of
each meeting. A library of tape recordings and
transcripts of each meeting also is maintained. The
Board's operating budget, which contains grant
programs to private agencies, institutions, colleges,
and universities, is prepared and administered by
this office.

PROCUREMENT ADVISORY COUNCIL

Chair: Sandra K. Reynold, Secretary,
Board of Public Works
The Procurement Advisory Council advises the
Board of Public Works on problems with the pro-
curement process and recommends improvements
to that process. The Council was established on
October 13, 1983 by the Board of Public Works in
accordance with recommendations of the Gover
nor's Ad Hoc Committee to Study Article 21—
Procurement, (COMAR 21.02.01.09).
The Council has nine members. One is ap-
pointed by the Governor. Five serve ex officio. The
Secretary to the Board of Public Works serves as
chair (Code State Finance and Procurement Arti
cle, sec. 12-105).
The Procurement Advisor serves as staff to the
Council and advises the Board on procurement
matters. Appointed by the Board of Public Works,
the Procurement Advisor develops and implements
procurement regulations, and analyses procure-
ment problems and issues.

WETLA NDS ADMINISTRATION
Harold Cassell, Wetlands Administrator

Goldstein Treasury Building, Room 209
80 Calvert St.
Annapolis, MD 21401 (410) 974-2664

Anyone wishing to dredge or fill in State wet-
lands must first secure a license from the Board of
Public Works (Chapter 241, Acts of 1970). The
Wetlands Administration receives applications for
licenses and conducts required public hearings. The