1742 LAWS OF MARYLAND. [CH. 991

SEC. 14. And be it further enacted, That the said Commis-
mission shall have full power and authority to enter into any
contract for the connection of its water supply, sewerage or
drainage systems, with those of any municipality, or adjoining
counties, for the purchase of water and for the disposal of
sewage and other drainage from any sub-district, and to enter
into any other agreement concerning any other matter deemed
by the Commission to be necessary, advisable or expedient for
the proper construction, maintenance and operation of the
water supply, sewerage or drainage systems under its control,
or those under the control of any municipalities, counties or
sub-divisions.

SEC. 15. And be it further enacted,, That the Commission is
authorized and empowered to purchase or acquire by gift any
existing water, sewerage, or drainage systems in Howard
County or any other water, sewerage or drainage systems in
said County, which in its judgment are desirable or necessary
for the purpose of providing adequate water or sewerage
service, or both, for the residents of Howard County.

SEC. 16. And be it further enacted, That whenever said Com-
mission shall have extended its water supply or sewerage sys-
tem up to and is ready to connect with any municipally owned
or privately owned water supply or sewerage system, whether
operating as an independent water supply or sewerage system
or as an extension of an adjacent or adjoining system or sys-
tems, and whether within or outside of Howard County, and it
deems it advisable and proper for the adequate operation of the
system under its jurisdiction to take over the said water or
sewerage system, or extension of such system or systems, it may
take over or purchase the same upon such terms and conditions
as may be agreed upon, but before any part of the purchase
price is paid, other than a nominal sum of money to bind the
agreement, it shall be the duty of the vendor or agent to furnish
a statement to said Commission setting forth all names and
addresses of persons having any interest or claims against
said property whatsoever, which shall be verified by an oath in
writing. Thereupon it shall be the duty of said Commission
to notify personally or by registered mail, return receipt re-
quested, all persons having any interest whatsoever in said
property, and in addition thereto the Commission shall give
three weeks' notice of its intention to purchase said property
in a newspaper or newspapers published within said County
where the property is located, and each person having any
claim whatsoever against said property shall file its, his or her
claim with said Commission on or before the expiration date
mentioned in said notice, at which time any and all persons
will be heard and their rights determined by the Commission,