234                                   LAWS OF MARYLAND                            [CH. 73

notice to each member. Three members of the Commission shall con-
stitute a quorum. The Commission shall keep a record of its proceed-
ings which shall be open to the public for inspection.

(d)  The Chairman shall preside over meetings of the Commission
and shall direct the performance of the powers and duties as herein
stated.

5.  The Commission shall have the following power and duties:

(a)  To act in an advisory capacity to the Director;

(b)  To keep itself fully informed of the activities of the Depart-
ment and to receive periodic and special reports concerning the cur-
rent operations of the Department;

(c)  To consider the needs for further water resources development
of the State from the points of view of the several economic and
social interests of its people, and to approve long-range plans and
programs of the Department.

(d) To promulgate rules and regulations pursuant to the authority
granted by the laws of Maryland and to modify or amend the same
from time to time, as may be necessary and proper in order to carry
out the responsibilities of the Department. Rules and regulations
promulgated shall be subject to the provisions of the Administrative
Procedure Act and any other rule which requirements impose by
law. Any such rules and regulations adopted shall have the force
and effect of law, unless and until modified or repealed by the Gen-
eral Assembly. Nothing contained herein shall be construed to give
the power to change or modify any law enacted by the General As-
sembly either before or after the passage of this article. All rules and
regulations of the Water Pollution Control Commission and those
rules and regulations of the Department of Geology, Mines and Water
Resources pertaining to the appropriation of waters and to reservoirs
and dams and to well drillers in effect immediately prior to June 1,
1964, shall continue to be effective thereafter until rescinded.

(e)  To approve programs of the Department as represented in the
annual budget request.

(f)  To assist the Director in fostering public awareness and under-
standing of the objectives and functions of the Department, and in
stimulating public participation and interest in orderly, integrated
water resource development within the State;

(g)  To hold public hearings and to sponsor meetings in any part
of the State when deemed necessary or useful in the execution of its
duties.

Powers and Functions

6.  The Department shall be responsible for supervising and plan-
ning the multiple purpose development of the waters of the State
for the best interests of all its inhabitants. The Department shall
prepare and develop a general water resources program which con-
templates the proper conservation and development of the waters of
the State, in a manner compatible with multiple purpose manage-
ment on a watershed and/or aquifer basis or other appropriate geo-
graphical unit thereof. The program shall recognize and be consis-
tent with the functions of the Department of Chesapeake Bay Affairs