§ 24-5-101. RURAL LEGACY.

(a)

Established. There is a county rural legacy program.

(b)

Purpose. The purpose of the rural legacy program is to provide for the protection of large contiguous blocks of natural and agricultural resources including forest, scenic and environmental resources in the county through the acquisition of easements and interests.

(c)

Administration. The Department shall administer the rural legacy program.

(d)

Designation. The County Council may designate a county or state rural legacy area if:

(1)

The area has a rural legacy plan; and

(2)

The rural legacy plan meets the criteria established by the Maryland Rural Legacy Program.

(e)

Purchase of interests in state rural legacy area.

(1)

The county may purchase easements and fee interests in a state rural legacy area.

(2)

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the value of the easements or fee interests in a state rural legacy area may be determined by a state-approved formula.

(f)

Purchase of interests in county rural legacy area.

(1)

The county may purchase easements and fee interests in a county rural legacy area.

(2)

The value of the easements or fee interests in a county rural legacy area shall be determined in accordance with Article 3, Title 9 of the Code.

 

(Bill No. 20-00, § 2, 3-24-2000, § 7, 7-1-2004; Bill No. 74-03, § 3, 7-1-2004)