1240 LAWS OF MARYLAND. [CH. 517

interest therein; to acquire by the exercise of the power of
eminent domain any real property; to sell, lease, exchange,
transfer, assign, pledge or dispose of any real or personal
property or any interest therein; to insure or provide for the
insurance of any real or personal property or operations of the
authority against any risks or hazards; to procure insurance
or guarantees from the Federal Government of the payment
of any debts or parts thereof (whether or not incurred by said
authority) secured by mortgages on any property included in
any of its housing projects.

(e) To invest any funds held in reserves or sinking funds,
or any funds not required for immediate disbursement, in
property or securities in which savings banks may legally in-
vest funds subject to their control; to purchase its bonds at a
price not more than the principal amount thereof and accrued
interest, all bonds so purchased to be cancelled.

(f) Within its area of operation: to investigate into living,
dwelling and housing conditions and into the means and meth-
ods of improving such conditions; to determine where slum
areas exist or where there is a shortage of decent, safe and
sanitary dwelling accommodations for persons of low income;
to make studies and recommendations relating to the problem
of clearing, replanning and reconstructing of slum areas, and
the problem of providing dwelling accommodations for persons
of low income, and to co-operate with the city, the State or
any political subdivision thereof in action taken in connection
with such problems; and to engage in research, studies and
experimentation on the subject of housing.

(g) Acting through one or more commissioners or other per-
son or persons designated by the authority; to conduct exami-
nations and investigations and to hear testimony and take
proof under oath at public or private hearings on any matter
material for its information; to administer oaths, issue sub-
poenas requiring the attendance of witnesses or the production
of books and papers and to issue commissions for the examina-
tion of witnesses who are outside of the State or unable to
attend before the authority, or excused from attendance; to
make available to appropriate agencies (including those
charged with the duty of abating or requiring the correction of
nuisances or like conditions, or of demolishing unsafe or in-
sanitary structures within its area of operation) its findings
and recommendations with regard to any building or property
where conditions exist which are dangerous to the public
health, morals, safety or welfare.

(h) To exercise all or any part or combination of powers
herein granted.

No provisions of law with respect to the acquisition, opera-
tion or disposition of property by other public bodies shall be