Bill Positions

Bill Number: HB 1056

Bill Title: Environment - Water Management Administration - Wetlands and Waterways Program Fees

Bill Sponsor(s): Delegate George, et al

Subject: Environment & Energy

Committee: ENV

Bill Summary: This bill establishes specified application fees for applications related to activities in wetlands and waterways, makes specified permits subject to a specified application fee refund process, exempts specified persons and activities from the application fees, establishes the Wetlands and Waterways Program Fund, and clarifies specified provisions of the Tidal Wetlands Compensation Fund.

History:

Chamber Position: Support

Position Summary: HB 1056 is a reintroduction of legislation submitted during the 2005 legislative session, which was the product of several weeks of discussions between participating members of the business community (several who are Maryland Chamber members), State, local governments, and environmental organizations to reach consensus regarding adequate funding of the Wetlands and Waterways Program.

The Maryland Department of Ennvironment's (MDE) Wetlands and Waterways have gone into decline over the past several years, resulting in continual delays in the premitting process, which has negatively impacted Maryland business interests.

The Maryland Chamber supports the need for MDE to adequately fund the Wetlands and Waterways Program to assure reasonable adherence to permits and license turnaround times.

Position Statement: Click here to download a pdf version of the Maryland Chamber's position statement.

Chamber Staff: Allyson Black

General Assembly: Click here to view the bill on the Maryland General Assembly's website.