HARRY HUGHES, Governor

2869

OF FACT, WHETHER IN THE NATURE OF AN UNDERSTATEMENT OR
OVERSTATEMENT OF FINANCIAL CONDITION, OR ANY OTHER FACT
MATERIAL TO ACTION OF THE SECRETARY.

(a)  The General Assembly finds and declares,

(1)  That many residents of Maryland are living
in dwelling units which do not conform to building, health,
safety, fire, occupancy or other codes and standards
applicable to housing, and that this condition impedes the
development of healthy, safe, and viable communities in
Maryland;

(2) That owner-occupants of housing in need of
rehabilitation are frequently of low income, that
nonoccupant owners of such housing frequently incur high
risks in its ownership and management, and that financing by
the private sector is therefore frequently not available to
accomplish necessary and desirable rehabilitation;

(3) That the rehabilitation of suitable housing
will increase its economic life, is often more economical
and less disruptive than replacement of the housing and the
relocation of its occupants, can better promote community
development when conducted through organized housing
rehabilitation programs, is essential to promote sound
community development in the State, and can be facilitated
by the rehabilitation of commercial building serving
communities where housing rehabilitation is desirable;

(4) That the rehabilitation of housing, the
development of healthy, safe, and viable communities in
Maryland, and the rehabilitation of commercial buildings to
facilitate the rehabilitation and development of housing are
a proper public purpose and State use for which public money
may be expended and property may be acquired[.]; AND

(5) THAT THE PROVISION OF HEALTHY AND SAFE
HOUSING FOR MIGRATORY WORKERS IS NECESSARY TO MAINTAIN AND
EXPAND THE AGRICULTURAL ACTIVITIES DEPENDENT ON THIS SOURCE
OF LABOR AND IS A PROPER PUBLIC PURPOSE FOR WHICH PUBLIC
MONEY MAY BE EXPENDED AND PROPERTY MAY BE ACQUIRED.

(b) (1) As used in this section the following terms
have the meanings indicated.

(2) "County" includes Baltimore City.

(3) "Department" means the Department of
Economic and Community Development, and "Secretary" means
the Secretary of the Department of Economic and Community
Development.

(4) "Families of limited income" means persons
and families (including those defined as "elderly" in