1118                           LAWS OF MARYLAND                      [CH. 509

(b) "Open space" or "open area" defined.—For the purposes of
this section, an "open space" or "open area" is any space or area
characterized by (1) great natural scenic beauty or (2) whose exist-
ing openness, natural condition, and present state of use, if retained,
would enhance the present or potential value of abutting or sur-
rounding urban development, or would maintain or enhance the con-
servation of natural or scenic resources.

Sec. 2. And be it further enacted, That this Act shall take effect
June 1, 1967.

Approved April 21, 1967.

CHAPTER 509
(Senate Bill 456)

AN ACT to repeal and re-enact, with amendments, Sections 7 and 8
of Article 78A of the Annotated Code of Maryland (1965 Replace-
ment Volume), title "Public Works", subtitle "Board of Public
Works", to provide that in purchase of property from private
owners the Board of Public Works shall obtain two independent
appraisals prior to such acquisition; and to provide that in leasing
property of private owners for State use, there shall be limitations
on the percentage of fair market value of said property allowable
as rental fees, and to limit the provisions of this Act to certain
leases and amounts of rental.

Section 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Maryland,
That Sections 7 and 8 of Article 78A of the Annotated Code of Mary-
land (1965 Replacement Volume), title "Public Works", subtitle
"Board of Public Works", be and they are hereby repealed and
re-enacted, with amendments, to read as follows:

7.

(1)   The Board of Public Works shall in like manner supervise the
expenditure of all sums appropriated for the acquisition of land,
buildings, equipment, new construction and other capital expendi-
tures, except in connection with State roads, bridges and highways,
whether made through the medium of a budget bill, a supplementary
appropriation bill or a State bond issue bill, and all contracts for
the expenditure thereof shall be subject to the approval of said Board
before the same are executed, after review by the Director of the
Department of Public Improvements.

(2)  In any acquisition of property from private owners, the Board
of Public Works shall prior to such acquisition obtain two inde-
pendent appraisals of said property.

8.

(1) The Board of Public Works shall have the power and duty to
approve every lease and renewal thereof of land, buildings or office
space before the same is executed by any department, board, com-
mission, State officer or institution of the State, and shall have power