MACo Executive Director Michael Sanderson spoke to the General Assembly’s Rural Caucus, with an update on county government priorities. the Caucus is co-chaired by Delegate Addie Eckardt and Delegate Sally Jameson.

During the February 6 meeting, Mr. Sanderson spoke about MACo’s legislative initiatives, commenting specifically on the status of two bills currently amidst House committee deliberations:

HB 11 would authorize use of Bay Restoration Funds to extend sewer lines to address failing septic systems.  That bill is scheduled for attention in the House Environmental Matters Committee in the coming days.

HB 308 would create a stakeholder-driven oversight Commission for the Maryland FiRST public safety radio system.  That bill was passed by a subcommittee of the House Health and Government Operations Committee, and its full committee vote is pending.

Mr. Sanderson also discussed local governments’ continued and urgent interest in restoration of Highway User Revenues as a primary means to support local road and bridge maintenance.