J. MILLARD TAWES, GOVERNOR                              1537

rehabilitation of slum areas or blighted areas, including the ac-
quisition of property for such purposes with certain provisions
in regard to such acquisition by the exercise of the power of emi-
nent domain; declaring such activities to constitute governmental
functions in furtherance of which the Mayor and Council of Easton
may exercise the power of taxation, expend public funds and ex-
tend public credit; granting to the Mayor and Council of Easton
certain additional powers and authority necessary or proper to
carry into full force and effect the powers hereinabove mentioned
and placing certain restrictions and limitations on certain powers
granted.

Section 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Maryland,
That a new Section is hereby added to the Charter of the Town of
Easton, the same being Section 168 A of Article 21, Code of Public
Local Laws of Maryland (1930 Ed.), Title, Talbot County, Sub-title,
Easton, said new Section to be known as Section 168 A, titled "Re-
development Urban Renewal" and to follow immediately after Sec-
tion 168, to read as follows:

Section 168A Redevelopment-Urban Renewal
Sub-Section 1. Definitions

The following terms wherever used or referred to in this Article
shall have the following meanings, unless a different meaning is
clearly indicated by the context:

(a)   "Federal Government" shall include the United States of
America or any agency or instrumentality, corporate or otherwise,
of the United States of America.

(b)   "Slum Area" shall mean any area where dwellings pre-
dominate which, by reason of depreciation, overcrowding, faulty ar-
rangement or design, lack of ventilation, light or sanitary facilities,
or any combination of these factors, are detrimental to the public
safety, health or morals.

(c)   "Blighted Area" shall mean an area in which a majority of
buildings have declined in productivity by reason of obsolescence,
depreciation or other causes to an extent they no longer justify
fundamental repairs and adequate maintenance.

(d)   "Urban Renewal Project" shall mean undertakings and ac-
tivities of a municipality in an urban renewal area for the elimina-
tion and for the prevention of the development or spread of slums
and blight, and may involve slum clearance and redevelopment in
an urban renewal area, or rehabilitation or conservation in an urban
renewal area, or any combination or part thereof in accordance with
an urban renewal plan. Such undertakings and activities may in-
clude—

(1)   acquisition of a slum area or a blighted area or portion
thereof;

(2)   demolition and removal of buildings and improvements;

(3)   installation, construction or reconstruction of streets, utili-
ties, parks, playgrounds, and other improvements necessary for
carrying out in the urban renewal area the urban renewal objectives
of this Article in accordance with the urban renewal plan;