J. MILLARD TAWES, Governor                       487

Sec. 2. And be it further enacted, That this Act shall take effect
June 1, 1966.

Approved April 29, 1966.

CHAPTER 230
(Senate Bill 274)

AN ACT to authorize the creation of a State debt in the aggre-
gate amount of five hundred and forty-five thousand dollars
($545,000.00) for the purpose of aiding in the construction of a
new library building (including facilities and site preparation)
and a new addition to the Men's Gymnasium on the campus of
Washington College in Chestertown, subject to the requirements
that the said College, on or before January 1, 1968, shall have
obtained elsewhere at least an equal and matching sum for the
same purposes, exclusive of any federal funds that are or may
become available; and providing generally for the issue and sale
of certificates of indebtedness evidencing this loan.

Whereas, Washington College is the oldest chartered institution of
higher learning in the State, with a long and distinguished history,
dating back to 1782, when it was chartered, as a college, having
previously existed as the Kent County Free School; and

Whereas, Washington College, in order to meet its responsibility
in providing higher education for the increased number of qualified
applicants, has embarked on a program to increase its facilities in
order that it may increase its student body by approximately 50 %;
and

Whereas, Washington College since 1962 has in pursuit of this
program erected two additional dormitories, built a major addition
to Hodson Hall (containing dining facilities and areas for student
activities), a new Power Plant, a new maintenance building, and is
constructing a Fine Arts Center and Auditorium, and an additional
dormitory for women; and

Whereas, Washington College now proposes to erect a new Library
urgently needed for additional book capacity and study areas, and
proposes to make a new addition to the Men's Gymnasium for use
by women; and

Whereas, Washington College has been a vital part of the State
college system for 180 years, having been created by Chapter 8 of
the Acts of 1782; and

Whereas, Washington College is the only private educational in-
stitution of higher learning on the Eastern Shore, and it is con-
sidered that State-aid to private institutions which relieve the burden
on State institutions is an economical means of fulfilling the State's
obligation to provide higher education to its citizens; and

Whereas, in the judgment of the General Assembly of Maryland,
the work of Washington College has been of such benefit to the
people of the State of Maryland as to warrant assistance from the
State in the construction of additional facilities to meet the need in