Ch. 262                                    1996 LAWS OF MARYLAND

community center, street repairs, signage, lighting installation, landscaping, curb and
gutter improvements, sidewalk construction, relocation of certain nonconforming
businesses, construction of defensible space structures in multifamily dwelling
developments, and other improvements to the existing buildings and land for the purpose
of economic development and community enhancement, including the preservation of
sites that are of historical significance to the County and State.

(4)     An annual State tax is imposed on all assessable property in the State in rate
and amount sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on the bonds as and when due
and until paid in full. The principal shall be discharged within 15 years after the date of
issuance of the bonds.

(5)     Prior to the payment of any funds under the provisions of this Act for the
purposes set forth in Section 1(3) above, the grantee shall provide and expend a matching
fund. No part of the grantee's matching fund may be provided, either directly or
indirectly, from funds of the State, whether appropriated or unappropriated. No part of
the fund may consist of real property, in kind contributions, or funds expended prior to
the effective date of this Act. In case of any dispute as to the amount of the matching
fund or what money or assets may qualify as matching funds, the Board of Public Works
shall determine the matter and the Board's decision is final. The grantee has until June 1,
1998, to present evidence satisfactory to the Board of Public Works that a matching fund
will be provided. If satisfactory evidence is presented, the Board shall certify this fact and
the amount of the matching fund to the State Treasurer, and the proceeds of the loan
equal to the amount of the matching fund shall be expended for the purposes provided in
this Act. Any amount of the loan in excess of the amount of the matching fund certified
by the Board of Public Works shall be canceled and be of no further effect.

(6)     (a) Prior to the issuance of the bonds, the grantee shall grant and convey to
the Maryland Historical Trust a perpetual preservation easement to the extent of its
interest:

(i) On the land or such portion of the land acceptable to the Trust;
and

(ii) On the exterior and interior, where appropriate, of the historic
structures.

(b) The easement must be in form and substance acceptable to the Trust
and the extent of the interest to be encumbered must be acceptable to the Trust.

SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall take effect
June 1, 1996.

Approved April 30, 1996.

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