ROBERT L. EHRLICH, JR., Governor

H.B. 1147

(b)     The Committee shall consist of at least 12 members, including
representatives appointed by each of the following agencies and organizations:

(1)     the Department of Housing and Community Development;

(2)     the Department of Planning;

(3)     the Maryland Environmental Service;

(4)     the [FORVM for] Rural Maryland COUNCIL;

(5)     the Maryland Center for Environmental Training;

(6)     the Environmental Finance Center;

(7)     the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development;

(8)     the Maryland Municipal League;

(9)     the Maryland Association of Counties;

(10)   the Maryland Rural Water Association;

(11)   the Chesapeake Bay Foundation; and

(12)   Safe Waterways in Maryland (SWIM).

(c)      The members shall elect a chairman from among the members of the
Committee.

(d)     The Department of the Environment shall provide staff for the Committee.

(e)     A member may not receive compensation for serving on the Committee, but
is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel
Regulations, as provided in the State budget.

(f)      The Committee shall implement a recommendation of the Governor's Task
Force on Upgrading Sewerage Systems by advising local jurisdictions on the efficient
operation and financial management of wastewater treatment systems.

(g)     The Committee shall report to the State Advisory Council on Water
Security and Sewerage Systems on or before November 1 of each year.

SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That it is the intent of the
General Assembly that the Department of Business and Economic Development
continue to administer the Maryland Agricultural Education and Rural Development
Assistance Fund for all grants made during Fiscal Year 2003, and earlier; and that
the Rural Maryland Council will begin administration of the Fund beginning in Fiscal
Year 2004, and continuing thereafter, by utilizing any appropriations that may have
been provided through the Board of Public Works for this purpose.

SECTION 3. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That any employee, who, as
of June 30, 2003, is assigned to the FORVM for Rural Maryland is hereby transferred
to the Rural Maryland Council, as established by Section 1 of this Act, effective July
1, 2003, without any change or loss of rights or status.

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