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Posted on BALTIMORE (May 14, 2008) - Governor Martin O'Malley on Tuesday signed Senate Bill 206, the BRAC Community Enhancement Act. This Administration bill establishes BRAC Revitalization and Incentive Zones (BRAC Zones) and creates development incentives in the form of State money for public infrastructure. The bill was introduced by the O'Malley Administration in response to the projected influx of jobs and households to Maryland created by U. S. Congress Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) decisions in 2005. "The BRAC bill is a major win for sustainable and smart growth in Maryland. It will help the State focus investment into existing communities that possess the facilities and amenities best suited for growth," said Secretary of Planning Richard Hall in a prepared statement. Potential BRAC Revitalization and Incentive Zones are approved by the Secretaries of the Maryland Departments of Business and Economic Development, Planning, Transportation, Housing and Community Development and the Environment. The bill targets smart growth areas, especially transit oriented development, for directing growth. No more than six BRAC Zones may be awarded each year statewide and only two zones per county. The bill's provisions related to establishing BRAC Zones take effect October 1, 2008. The bill passed 46-0 in the Senate and 131-2 in the House. Only Delegate Gail H. Bates (9A) and Delegate Warren E. Miller (9A) opposed the bill. Eight delegates did not vote on the bill including southern Maryland representatives John L. Bohanan, Jr. (29B) and James E. Proctor, Jr. (27A). RELATED INFORMATION: BRAC Community Enhancement Act http://mlis.state.md.us/2008rs/billfile/sb0206.htm |