VETOES
Article - Natural Resources

SUBTITLE 2A. LAND TRUST GRANT FUND
3-2A-01.

(A) IN THIS SUBTITLE THE FOLLOWING WORDS HAVE THE
MEANINGS INDICATED.

(B) "DEPARTMENT" MEANS THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL
RESOURCES.

(C) "GRANT FUND" MEANS THE LAND TRUST GRANT FUND
ESTABLISHED UNDER § 3-2A-02 OF THIS SUBTITLE.

(D) "LAND TRUST" MEANS A QUALIFIED CONSERVATION
ORGANIZATION THAT:

(1) IS A QUALIFIED ORGANIZATION UNDER § 170(H)(3) OF THE
INTERNAL REVENUE CODE AND REGULATIONS ADOPTED UNDER §
170(H)(3); AND

(2) HAS EXECUTED A COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT WITH THE
MARYLAND ENVIRONMENTAL TRUST.

(E) "TRUST" MEANS THE MARYLAND ENVIRONMENTAL TRUST.

3-2A-02.

(A) THERE IS WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT A LAND TRUST GRANT
FUND.

(B) (1) THE GRANT FUND SHALL BE USED AS A NONLAPSING
REVOLVING FUND TO MAKE GRANTS TO LAND TRUSTS IN THE STATE.

(2) THE GRANT FUND MAY BE USED ONLY TO ENCOURAGE
THE PRESERVATION AND PROTECTION OF OPEN SPACE AND NATURAL
AREAS IN THE STATE.

(3) WHEN DEEMED APPROPRIATE BY THE TRUST, GRANTS
FROM THE GRANT FUND TO LAND TRUSTS SHALL BE REIMBURSABLE TO
THE GRANT FUND, SUBJECT TO § 3-2A-08 OF THIS SUBTITLE.

(C) (1) THE MARYLAND ENVIRONMENTAL TRUST SHALL
ADMINISTER THE GRANT FUND.

(2) IN ADDITION TO THEIR OTHER POWERS AND DUTIES
UNDER THIS TITLE, THE TRUSTEES OF THE TRUST MAY TAKE ANY
ACTION NECESSARY OR PROPER TO ADMINISTER THE GRANT FUND.

(D) FUNDS SHALL BE INCLUDED IN THE DEPARTMENT'S ANNUAL
BUDGET FOR THE COSTS OF ADMINISTERING THE GRANT FUND.

- 3458 -