HARRY HUGHES, Governor

2127

Article - Natural Resources

Section 8-1105.2 and 8-1105.3

Annotated Code of Maryland

(1983 Replacement Volume and 1985 Supplement)

Preamble

WHEREAS, The barrier island beaches of Maryland's Atlantic
Coast are an economic, recreational, and ecological asset to the
State;

WHEREAS, The beaches dissipate the forces of ocean storms,
thereby protecting natural and developed areas lying directly
behind the beaches;

WHEREAS, Recent studies have established that Maryland's
ocean beaches are being lost to erosion, thereby diminishing
their value and their ability to protect interior areas;

WHEREAS, The beaches should be rebuilt and maintained
through a cooperative effort between the federal, State, and
local governments; now, therefore,

SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF
MARYLAND, That the Laws of Maryland read as follows:

Article - Natural Resources

8-1105.2.

(A)  THERE IS AN OCEAN BEACH REPLENISHMENT FUND, CONSISTING
OF MONEYS APPROPRIATED FOR THAT PURPOSE IN THE STATE BUDGET OR IN
ANY BOND ENABLING ACT. THE FUND SHALL BE MAINTAINED FOR THE
PURPOSES STATED IN THIS SECTION, AND UNSPENT PORTIONS OF ANY
APPROPRIATIONS TO THE FUND SHALL REMAIN IN THE FUND AND SHALL NOT
REVERT TO THE GENERAL FUND.

(B)  THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS, UPON THE RECOMMENDATION OF
THE SECRETARY OF NATURAL RESOURCES, MAY EXPEND MONEYS
APPROPRIATED FROM THE FUND, DIRECTLY OR THROUGH LOANS OR GRANTS
TO LOCAL JURISDICTIONS, FOR THE FOLLOWING TYPES OF PROJECTS ON
MARYLAND'S OCEAN BEACHES:

(1)  BULKHEAD CONSTRUCTION;

(2)  DUNE RESTORATION OR CONSTRUCTION;

(3)  BEACH REPLENISHMENT; AND

(4)  LAND ACQUISITION NECESSARY TO ACCOMPLISH ANY OF
THE FOREGOING TYPES OF PROJECTS.