Ch. 428

2004 LAWS OF MARYLAND

and standards, and financial reporting for the Water Quality Fund, THE DRINKING
WATER LOAN FUND, AND THE WATERSHED BAY RESTORATION FUND shall conform to
the requirements of Title VI of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, THE
FEDERAL SAFE DRINKING WATER ACT, AND THE CHESAPEAKE BAY WATERSHED AND
ATLANTIC COASTAL BAYS BAY RESTORATION FUND ACT, AS APPLICABLE and, to the
extent not inconsistent therewith, generally accepted principles of governmental
accounting. As soon as practical after the closing of the fiscal year, an audit shall be
made of the financial books, records, and accounts of the Administration. The audit
shall be made by independent certified public accountants, selected by the
Administration, and licensed to practice in the State as auditors. The auditors may
not have a personal interest either directly or indirectly in the fiscal affairs of the
Administration. They shall be experienced and qualified in the accounting and
auditing of public bodies. The report of audit shall be prepared in accordance with
generally accepted auditing principles and point out any irregularities found to exist.
The auditors shall report to the Secretary the results of their examination, including
their unqualified opinion on the presentation of the financial positions of the Water
Quality [Fund and] FUND, the Drinking Water Loan Fund, AND THE WATERSHED
BAY RESTORATION FUND, and the results of the Administration's financial
operations. If they are unable to express an unqualified opinion they shall state and
explain in detail the reasons for their qualifications, disclaimer, or opinion including
recommendations necessary to make possible future unqualified opinions.

SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That the terms of the members
of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Restoration Fund Advisory Committee, appointed
by the Governor, shall expire as follows:

(1)     four members in 2005;

(2)     four members in 2006; and

(3)     four three members in 2007.

SECTION 3. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That the Bay Restoration
Fund Advisory Committee, in consultation with the governing body of each county,
shall study and, subject to § 2-1246 of the State Government Article, report on or
before January 15, 2005, to the Senate Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs
Committee and the House Environmental Matters Committee regarding methods
evaluated and recommended for the collection of the Bay restoration fee by local
governments from users of onsite sewage disposal systems and users of sewage
holding tanks that do not receive water bills, in accordance with § 9-1605.2 of the
Environment Article, as enacted by Section 1 of this Act.

SECTION 4. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That, on or before December
31. 2006, the Bay Restoration Fund Advisory Committee, in conjunction with the
Maryland Association of Counties and the Maryland Municipal League, shall, subject
to § 2-1246 of the State Government Article, jointly report to the Senate Education.
Health, and Environmental Affairs Committee and the House Environmental Matters
Committee regarding the extent of administrative costs incurred by local

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