PARRIS N. GLENDENING, Governor

Ch. 429

Article - Environment

5-909.

(e) (3) Funds in the Nontidal Wetland Compensation Fund may be used only
for the creation, restoration, or enhancement of nontidal wetlands, including:

(i)     Acquisition of land;

(ii)    Acquisition of easements;

(iii) Maintenance of mitigation sites;

(iv)   Purchase of credits in mitigation banks; [ and]

(v) IN COORDINATION WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL
RESOURCES, COST SHARING ASSISTANCE TO LANDOWNERS IN THE MANAGEMENT
AND CONTROL OF PHRAGMITES UNDER TITLE 8, SUBTITLE 21 OF THE NATURAL
RESOURCES ARTICLE; AND

(VI) Contractual services necessary to accomplish the intent of this
paragraph.

16-205.

(d)     Funds in the Wetlands Compensation Fund may be appropriated only for
acquisition AND CONSERVATION of wetland areas by the State, INCLUDING COST
SHARING ASSISTANCE TO LANDOWNERS IN THE MANAGEMENT AND CONTROL OF
PHRAGMITES UNDER TITLE 8, SUBTITLE 21 OF THE NATURAL RESOURCES ARTICLE.

(e)     Funds appropriated in the budget for wetlands acquisition AND
CONSERVATION under this section:

(1)     Shall remain available until expended; and

(2)     May not be reverted under any other provision of law.

Article - Natural Resources
8-2101.

The General Assembly finds that the growth of the tall, reed-like grass Phragmites
communis, commonly known as phragmites, may be a public and common nuisance on
land and wetlands used for wildlife habitat areas.

8-2102.

(a)     A person who owns real property on which phragmites grows may apply to the
Secretary for COST SHARING assistance in the management and control of the spread of
phragmites.

(b)     THE SECRETARY SHALL ESTABLISH A COST SHARING PROGRAM TO
ASSIST LANDOWNERS, ON WHOSE PROPERTY PHRAGMITES GROWS, IN THE
MANAGEMENT AND CONTROL OF THE SPREAD OF PHRAGMITES.

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