Ch. 57 LAWS OF MARYLAND

BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments,

Article 83B - Department of Housing and Community Development

Section 5-601, 5-605, and 5-621

Annotated Code of Maryland

(1988 Replacement Volume and 1989 Supplement)

BY adding to

Article 83B - Department of Housing and Community Development

Section 5-621, 5-628, and 5-629

Annotated Code of Maryland

(1988 Replacement Volume and 1989 Supplement)

BY repealing

Article 83B - Department of Housing and Community Development

Section 5-620(j)

Annotated Code of Maryland

(1988 Replacement Volume and 1989 Supplement)

Preamble

WHEREAS, Presently there are bifurcated and overlapping statutory powers and
duties assigned to the Maryland Geological Survey within the Department of Natural
Resources and the Maryland Historical Trust within the Department of Housing and
Community Development relating to the State's archaeological resources; and

WHEREAS, The continued division of these powers and duties between the
Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Housing and Community
Development has precluded efficient utilization of resources, and has resulted in
confusion as to which department is responsible for particular functions; and

WHEREAS, The bifurcated and overlapping powers and duties involve historical
and archaeological surveys and reports, conducting, authorizing, monitoring, and
permitting archaeological studies, projects, excavations, salvage, and site registration,
the issuance of permits for archaeological activities, and exercising enforcement powers
to protect archaeological resources; and

WHEREAS, The State will improve its capacity to protect important State
archaeological resources if it acts to coordinate and efficiently administer its
archaeological-related regulatory functions; and

WHEREAS, The Department of Housing and Community Development, by and
through the Maryland Historical Trust, an agency within its Division of Historical and
Cultural Programs, is the department principally responsible for most of the State's
historic and cultural protection and advancement activities; and

WHEREAS, The Department of Natural Resources' Advisory Committee on
Archaeology and Division of Archaeology within the Maryland Geological Survey have
performed and should continue to perform significant roles involving

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