Ch. 641                                    LAWS OF MARYLAND

a benefit charge in accordance with the provisions of Section
8-1006 of this subtitle.

(e)  Costs to maintain shore erosion control projects are
the sole responsibility of the benefited property owner. The
Department periodically shall inspect these projects to recommend
to the property owner any measures required to maintain the
project.

(f)  Any county or any municipal corporation may borrow
interest-free funds from the Fund for any approved project
without the project construction cost limitation stated -in this
section. The county, or municipal corporation shall repay the
funds at a uniform rate over a period not exceeding 25 years as
stated by agreement between the State and county or municipal
corporation.

(g)    The Department shall include in its budget a request
for funds necessary to provide and maintain shore erosion
protection for State-owned properties.

8-1006.

(a)  On receipt of certification from the Department that a
shore erosion control project has been satisfactorily completed,
the Board of Public Works shall fix and levy a benefit charge on
the benefited property. The benefit charge shall be:

(1)  Payable in annual installments over a period of
25 years, or any shorter period as directed by the Board; and

(2)  Calculated so as to return to the State the net
project construction cost resulting from the shore erosion
control project.

(b)  Annual installments shall be due beginning on the first
day of July following levy of the benefit charge by the Board of
Public Works, and each July 1 thereafter until the benefit charge
is paid totally. If not paid within 90 days of its due date, an
installment shall be in default and shall bear interest at the
rate of 1 percent a month from the time of default. The
Department shall be responsible for collection of annual
installments.

(c)  A benefit charge assessed under this subtitle shall be
a lien on the real property against which it is assessed, and
shall be subject to collection in the manner specified for
foreclosure of mortgages. Any annual installments in default
shall be a first lien on the benefited property, subject only to
prior State, county, or municipal real property taxes. The
outstanding balance of a benefit charge shall be afforded normal
lien priority, except that the Department may agree in writing to

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