1152

LAWS OF MARYLAND

Ch. 398

(a) In each county of the State and in Baltimore City
there shall be a supervisor of assessments who shall be
appointed by the DIRECTOR OF THE State Department of
Assessments and Taxation from a list of five qualified
applicants submitted to the Department by the mayor of
Baltimore City, the county commissioners or county council
of each county or if the county charter provides for a
county executive, by the county executive with the approval
of the county council. THE LIST SHALL BE SUBMITTED TO THE
DEPARTMENT WITHIN 30 60 DAYS OF THE DIRECTOR'S NOTIFICATION
OF THE VACANCY. THIS PERIOD MAY BE EXTENDED BY THE DIRECTOR
IF REQUESTED, IN WRITING, BY THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT.

SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act
shall take effect July 1, 1979.

Approved May 14, 1979.

CHAPTER 399

(House Bill 1570)

AN ACT concerning

Abandoned Mine Reclamation

FOR the purpose of authorizing the Department of Natural
Resources to implement an abandoned mine reclamation
program consistent with the Federal Surface Mining
Control and Reclamation Act of 1977, Public Law 95-87;
providing for a special fund known as the
"Federal-State Reclamation Fund" to be used for
reclamation purposes; authorizing the Department to
issue rules and regulations and to develop a
reclamation plan; establishing eligibility criteria and
priorities for expenditure of funds on reclamation
projects; authorizing the Department to apply for and
accept any federal funds available for reclamation
projects; authorizing the Department to seek a court
order authorizing entry upon privately owned lands for
the purpose of reclamation necessary to protect the
public interest; providing that, except in certain
situations, moneys expended on private lands shall
constitute a lien on such lands; authorizing the
Department to acquire land in need of reclamation, by
purchase, donation, or condemnation; creating a general
right-of-entry upon private property for purposes of
inspection and study of reclamation needs; providing
for disposition of reclaimed property; and generally
relating to the use of federal funds in the abatement
of adverse effects of past coal mining practices in
this State.