Ch. 632                                    LAWS OF MARYLAND

purpose, as may be needed to support such new or existing
housing. HOWEVER, IF SUCH OTHER PUBLIC OR PRIVATE FACILITIES ARE
NOT NEEDED TO SUPPORT SUCH NEW OR EXISTING HOUSING, THEY MAY BE
INCLUDED IN A COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROJECT IF THEY COMPRISE LESS
THAN A SUBSTANTIAL PART. OF SUCH COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROJECT,
UNLESS IT IS DETERMINED BY THE SECRETARY OF ECONOMIC AND
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT THAT SOUND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT IS
PROMOTED BY INCLUDING A GREATER PROPORTION OF PUBLIC OR PRIVATE
FACILITIES.

[(d)] (E) "Development cost" means the costs incurred in
carrying out all works and undertakings which the Department
deems reasonable and necessary for the construction of a
community development project, A PUBLIC PURPOSE PROJECT, a home
improvement project, an infrastructure project, an energy
conservation project or a solar energy project. These shall
include but are not necessarily limited to the costs of all
necessary studies, surveys, plans and specifications,
architectural, engineering or other special services, acquisition
of land and any buildings thereon, site preparation and
development, construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation,
improvement and the acquisition of such machinery and equipment
and furnishings as may be deemed necessary in connection
therewith; the necessary expenses incurred in connection with
initial occupancy or operation of the project; an allocable
portion of the administrative and operating expenses of the
Department; the cost of financing the project, including interest
on bonds and notes issued to finance the project from the date
thereof to the date when the Department shall determine that the
project be deemed substantially occupied or substantially in
operation; and the cost of such other items, including any
indemnity and surety bonds and premiums on insurance, fees,
relocation costs, and charges and expenses of trustees,
depositories and paying agents for bonds and notes issued, all as
the Department shall deem necessary.

(F) "DISTRESSED AREA" MEANS A GEOGRAPHICALLY DEFINED AREA
OR AREAS OF ANY MUNICIPALITY OR COUNTY DESIGNATED BY THE
SECRETARY OF ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT WITH THE APPROVAL
AT THE REQUEST OF THE MUNICIPALITY OR COUNTY, TAKING INTO
CONSIDERATION FACTORS INCLUDING:

(1)  THE AVAILABILITY, COST, AND CONDITION OF HOUSING
AND NEIGHBORHOOD FACILITIES, INCLUDING THE AGE AND NUMBER OF
ABANDONED AND SUBSTANDARD STRUCTURES;

(2)  THE INCOME OF RESIDENTS RELATIVE TO STATE OR AREA
WIDE REGIONAL MEDIAN INCOMES, INCLUDING THE NUMBER OF PERSONS WHO
ARE WELFARE RECIPIENTS, UNEMPLOYED AND IN POVERTY;

(3)  THE NEED FOR FINANCING FOR HOUSING OR PUBLIC OR
PRIVATE FACILITIES TO UPGRADE THE SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC CONDITIONS
OF THE DISTRESSED AREA;

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