1154

LAWS OF MARYLAND

Ch. 399

THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SUBTITLE. THE PROVISIONS OF THIS
SUBTITLE SHALL APPLY ONLY TO THE "FEDERAL-STATE RECLAMATION
FUND."

7-904.

(A)   THE DEPARTMENT IS AUTHORIZED TO PROMULGATE AND
ENFORCE ANY RULES AND REGULATIONS NECESSARY FOR THE
ADMINISTRATION OF THIS SUBTITLE.

(B)   THE DEPARTMENT MAY ENTER INTO COOPERATIVE
PROJECTS WITH OTHER STATES OR GOVERNMENTAL BODIES IN ORDER
TO CARRY OUT THE PURPOSES OF THIS SUBTITLE.

7-905.

(A)   THE DEPARTMENT IS AUTHORIZED TO DEVELOP A
RECLAMATION PLAN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE
FEDERAL SURFACE MINING CONTROL AND RECLAMATION ACT OF 1977,
AND TO SUBMIT SUCH PLAN TO THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT FOR
APPROVAL PURSUANT TO THAT ACT.

(B)   SUBSEQUENT TO FEDERAL APPROVAL OF THE RECLAMATION
PLAN, THE DEPARTMENT MAY APPLY FOR AND ACCEPT ANY AND ALL
FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR RECLAMATION, AND SHALL ADMINISTER THEM
IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SUBTITLE. SUCH
FUNDS MAY BE USED FOR ALL COSTS RELATED TO ELIMINATION OF
THE ADVERSE EFFECTS OF PAST COAL MINING PRACTICES, INCLUDING
BUT NOT LIMITED TO, PLANNING AND ENGINEERING COSTS, COSTS OF
PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS, SURVEYS, INVESTIGATIONS AND
FEASIBILITY STUDIES, CONSTRUCTION AND INSPECTION COSTS,
ACTUAL OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE COSTS OF PERMANENT
FACILITIES, AND ALL ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES.

7-906.

(A) THE EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR THE
PURPOSES OF THIS SUBTITLE SHALL REFLECT THE FOLLOWING
PRIORITIES IN THE ORDER STATED:

(1)   THE PROTECTION OF PUBLIC HEALTH, SAFETY,
GENERAL WELFARE, AND PROPERTY FROM EXTREME DANGER OF ADVERSE
EFFECTS OF COAL MINING PRACTICES;

(2)   THE PROTECTION OF PUBLIC HEALTH, SAFETY,
AND GENERAL WELFARE FROM ADVERSE EFFECTS OF COAL MINING
PRACTICES;

(3)   THE RESTORATION OF LAND AND WATER RESOURCES
AND THE ENVIRONMENT PREVIOUSLY DEGRADED BY ADVERSE EFFECTS
OF COAL MINING PRACTICES INCLUDING MEASURES FOR THE
CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF SOIL, WATER (EXCLUDING
CHANNELIZATION), WOODLAND, FISH AND WILDLIFE, RECREATION
RESOURCES, AND AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTIVITY.

(4)   RESEARCH AND DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS
RELATING TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF SURFACE MINING RECLAMATION
AND WATER QUALITY CONTROL PROGRAM METHODS AND TECHNIQUES;