3304                                        EXECUTIVE ORDERS

PROCLAMATION OF SEPTEMBER 30, 1977

DECLARATION OF EMERGENCY

WHEREAS, The State is facing a critical problem of
overcrowding in its correctional system; and

WHEREAS, In the General Construction Loan of 1977 (Chapter
671, Acts of 1977) , the General Assembly appropriated
the sum of $26,000,000 for the acquisition of the
property at 3500 East Biddle Street in Baltimore for
use as a State correctional facility; and

WHEREAS, This facility will produce an additional 640
medium security beds and 250 minimum security beds; and

WHEREAS, This facility is included in Phase I of the
Master Plan for the State Correctional System as an
integral part of the State's effort to meet the
overcrowding conditions; and

WHEREAS, The Secretaries of Public Safety and Correctional
Services, State Planning, and General Services and my
Special Assistant for Criminal Justice matters have
advised me that this facility is desperately needed as
rapidly as possible; and

WHEREAS, The Department of General Services is now in the
position to commence procedures for the selection of an
architect to prepare detailed plans and specifications
for the project; and

WHEREAS, Full compliance with the selection requirements
set forth in Section 231V(a) of Article 41 of the
Annotated Code of Maryland will involve a delay of
several months in the development of the plans and
specifications and will therefore delay the
construction and completion of the project; and

WHEREAS, Upon the advice of the aforementioned Secretaries
and my Special Assistant, and from my own knowledge of
the critical overcrowding problem, I am convinced that
such a delay, in this instance, is not only unwarranted
but would be harmful to the health and general welfare
of the citizens of this State; and

WHEREAS, Section 231V(b) of Article 41 of the Code
authorizes the General Professional Services Selection
Board to waive the requirements of Section 231V (a) when
a state of emergency is declared by the Governor; and