2764

VETOES

The $25,000 in this Item would be used merely to
clear away underbrush and to seal the remaining walls.
Until a decision can be reached as to whether the Mill
has any historical value sufficient to justify its
restoration, however, I do not believe that State funds
should be used for this purpose.

(7)        With respect to Item (M)(1)(f), this
appropriates 528,000 to construct a typical iron worker's
dwelling and to repair a furnace stack at the Nassawango
Iron Furnace in Worcester County. This is private
property, and I am advised that the "typical iron
worker's dwelling" to be constructed will be used as a
caretaker's home. If the project has merit, it can be
funded by donating the property to Worcester County and
utilizing federal and Open Space funds. In its present
posture, I do not think that State bond funds should be
used.

(8)        With respect to Item (M)(1)(g), this is to
fund the acquisition of land and the restoration and
renovation of the Mt. Moriah Church in Annapolis. The
Item contains two separate appropriations — $100,000 to
acquire the land and $25,000 for the restoration.

The land is owned by Anne Arundel County, and,
although I have no objection to the State restoring the
Church, I do not believe that the State should be
required to purchase the land. I have discussed this
project with those persons most interested in the
preservation of the Church, and have agreed to a
commitment of State funds to preserve the structure, but
always with the understanding that the land would be
donated to the State. Accordingly, it is my express
intention, in taking this action, to treat the two
appropriations as separate and distinct ones, and to
approve the appropriation of $25,000 for restoration and
renovation, and to veto the appropriation of $100,000 for
acquisition of land. If, for any reason, the Item is
held not to be so severable, then this action should be
deemed as a veto of the entire Item (M)(1)(g).

(9)        With respect to Item (M)(1)(j), this
appropriates $30,000 as a one—third State match to
restore the Benson—Hammond House in Anne Arundel County.
The appropriation is contingent upon an equal
contribution by the County and of private funds.

This project was reviewed last year by the Maryland
Historical Trust, which concluded that it was not of
statewide historical interest and therefore did not
warrant the use of Trust funds. The project has not been
thoroughly reviewed by any other State agency, and no
justification for the use of General Construction Loan
funds has been shown.