HARRY HUGHES, Governor

2399

PROCLAMATION OF JUNE 16, 1978

DECLARATION OF EMERGENCY

WHEREAS, At the present time the Port of Baltimore is in a
congested state and a pressing need exists for
additional terminal facilities; and

WHEREAS, Said additional terminal facilities are necessary
to the continuance of the Port of Baltimore as a major
United States Port and to the continuance of the
economic prosperity of this State; and

WHEREAS, To meet this pressing need, the Department of
Transportation has developed a program lor
construction of a cargo handling facility at the
Hawkins Point Marine Terminal; and

WHEREAS, The Department of Transportation is now in the
position to commence procedures for the selection of an
engineering consultant to prepare detailed plans and
specifications for this project; and

WHEREAS, Full compliance with the selection requirements set
forth in Section 2-309(a) of the Transportation Article
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 completion
of the project and may tend to harm the competitive
position of the Port and the economy of this State; and

WHEREAS, Upon the advice of the Secretary of Transportation,
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 2-309(b) of the Transportation Article of
the Code authorizes the Transportation Professional
Services Selection Board to waive the requirements of
Section 2-309(a) when a state of emergency is declared
by the Governor; and

WHEREAS, I have been assured that, if the provisions of
Section 2-309(a) are waived, the Maryland Port
Administration intends to solicit proposals from at
least five competent firms, it will consider both price
and technical considerations in making its selection,
and the process can be completed within 90 days; and

WHEREAS, Upon these assurances, I believe that an emergency
as contemplated by Section 2-309(b) does exist, and
that the waiver of the requirements of Section