J. MILLARD TAWES, Governor                       1549

Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Harford, and Howard, and the
City of Baltimore has resulted in the creation of serious problems
affecting the health, safety, and welfare of the population. Sixty per-
cent of the population of Maryland resides in this area. During the
past ten years the population of the region has increased by one-third,
to over 1,800,000. It is anticipated that this trend will continue, fur-
ther aggravating the problems. Rain falling upon one community
creates problems in adjoining communities. The flow of traffic does
not stop at a city or county line. The economy and well being of the
area are best advanced when the economic potential is considered and
developed on a regional and statewide basis. An opportunity must be
provided for the several units of government within the area to work
together with the State and private agencies toward the solution of
their problems. In order to deal with these matters on a rational and
sound basis, they must be considered within the framework of a gen-
eral development plan for the area. Thus, a regional planning agency
is required to prepare that A SUGGESTED general development
plan—a plan which will provide for the effective employment of the
natural and other resources of the region. In the execution of its
purpose, the regional planning agency will serve as a consultative
and coordinating agency (1) seeking to harmonize and advance its
planning activities with the planning activities of the State and of
the counties and municipalities within the metropolitan area as well
as other metropolitan or regional planning agencies, (2) rendering
planning assistance, and (3) stimulating public interest and partici-
pation in planning for the development of the area.

Establishment and Organization

2. Establishment of Area.

A Regional Planning Area, hereinafter sometimes referred to as
"Area," is established, which shall include the City of Baltimore and
all of Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Harford, and Howard
Counties.

3. Establishment of Council.

As the planning agency for this Area the Regional Planning Coun-
cil is established, hereinafter sometimes referred to as "The Council."

4. Membership of The Council.

The membership of The Council shall include two representatives
from the City of Baltimore, two representatives from each of the
Counties of Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Harford, and Howard,
the Director of the State Department of Planning, the Chairman-
Director of the State Roads Commission, a member of the Metro-
politan Transit Authority, A MEMBER OF THE MARYLAND
PORT AUTHORITY and four representatives to be appointed by
the Governor, respectively to be appointed as follows:

The Mayor of the City of Baltimore, with the approval of the City
Council, shall appoint one member of the City Council of Baltimore
as a member of The Council; and the Mayor of the City of Baltimore
shall appoint one appointed member of the Baltimore City Planning
Commission as a member of The Council. The County Executive of
Baltimore County, with the approval of the County Council, shall
appoint one member of the County Council of Baltimore County as a