On January 19, 2021, MACo Legislative Director Kevin Kinnally submitted written testimony to the Senate Finance Committee in opposition of SB 230 Maryland Port Administration – Land Acquisition and Payment to Counties.

This bill would set an unreasonable timeframe for local governments to review and respond to property acquisition requests from the Maryland Port Administration and needlessly undercut the terms of payment in lieu of taxes agreements between the State and county governments.

From the MACo Testimony:

Land use and zoning are central components of local authority under Maryland law – serving as the essential means for community input. Under current law, local governments have 90 days to respond to the Maryland Port Administration before a request to acquire property is deemed granted. By cutting that timeframe to just 30 days, this bill would undermine local processes and preclude public input.

Follow MACo’s advocacy efforts during the 2021 legislative session on MACo’s Legislative Tracking Database.