Ch. 641

LAWS OF MARYLAND

This authority includes the authority to construct and renovate
facilities on sites acquired by the county. However, the county
shall not exercise the authority granted in this section unless
the Secretary has determined that:

(1)  There is a need in the county for the center;

(2)  The proposed site and facility are appropriate;
and

(3)  The facility is, or upon completion will be,
consistent with the standards adopted pursuant to § 709. If a
county is divided into councilmanic districts or contains more
than one legislative district, it may, by ordinance, provide that
it will not place more than one center acquired by it under this
subsection (b) in a councilmanic or legislative district unless
there is a center in each councilmanic or legislative district in
the county.

(c)  If, within 18 months after the Secretary certifies a
need for a center, the county or counties in a region fail to
submit to the Secretary a proposed site and plans for a facility
on it consistent with the standards adopted pursuant to § 709,
the Secretary shall declare the county or counties in default.
The Secretary may, for good cause shown, extend this time for not
more than an additional six months.

(d)  Upon a determination of a county's default, the
Secretary shall, within six months and after holding a public
hearing in the county, recommend a site for the center for
approval by the Board of Public Works. Upon approval of a site by
the Board, the State is authorized to exercise the authority
granted in subsection (b).

(e)  The counties are authorized, as an extension of the
authority granted in subsection (b), to enter into agreements
with each other and with the State for the location, acquisition,
construction, and renovation of facilities for a regional center
to serve more than one county. In that event, the conditions
stated in subsection (b) shall be applicable to the proposed
regional center.

(f)  Upon a default, as specified in subsection (c), the
Secretary may recommend to the Board of Public Works a site for a
regional center in lieu of a county center; and the Board may
approve such a site. If the Board approves a site for a regional
center, the State is authorized to exercise the authority granted
in subsection (b) to acquire, construct, and renovate facilities
for a regional center.

(g)  A center shall not be established or expanded beyond a
capacity in excess of 108 beds without the concurrence of the
Secretary and (1) the county in which the center is or is to be

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