§ 13-1008. General powers of Authority

   In addition to the powers set forth elsewhere in this subtitle, the Authority may:

   (1) Adopt and alter an official seal;

   (2) Sue and be sued, plead, and be impleaded;

   (3) Adopt bylaws to regulate its affairs and the conduct of its business;

   (4) In accordance with Title 10, Subtitle 1 of the State Government Article, adopt regulations to carry out the provisions of this subtitle;

   (5) Maintain an office at a place that the Authority designates;

   (6) Employ, either as regular employees or as independent contractors, and fix the compensation of, accountants, architects, attorneys, construction experts and personnel, consultants, engineers, financial experts, managers, superintendents, and other professional personnel, personnel, and agents;

   (7) Appoint advisory committees composed of local officials, representatives of the business community, and such other interests as may be appropriate;

   (8) Subject to the requirements of this subtitle, adopt and implement a management plan for the Heritage Area;

   (9) Determine the locations of, develop, establish, construct, erect, acquire, own, repair, remodel, add to, extend, improve, equip, rewater, operate, regulate, and maintain, and contribute to the maintenance and operating costs of land, water, buildings, and structures to accomplish the purposes of the Authority;

   (10) By publishing a revised drawing or other boundary description in the Maryland Register, revise the boundaries of the Heritage Area or the park corridor with the consent of:

      (i) The governing body of each local jurisdiction which in whole or in part is to be added to or deleted from the Heritage Area; and

      (ii) The Maryland Heritage Areas Authority;

   (11) Subject to § 13-1009 of this subtitle, acquire, hold, lease, use, encumber, transfer, or dispose of real and personal property;

   (12) Provide or contract to provide tourism marketing and promotional services for the Canal Place Heritage Area, and provide financial assistance for tourism marketing and promotion in Allegany County and its municipal jurisdictions, if the expenditures by the Authority for those purposes are matched equally with nonstate funds;

   (13) Enter into contracts of any kind and execute all instruments necessary or convenient to carry out its powers under this subtitle;

   (14) Make and participate in making loans or grants, or otherwise provide financial assistance for any project that serves to preserve, develop, maintain, or protect the Heritage Area;

   (15) Through covenants, regulations, agreements, or otherwise, establish restrictions, standards, and requirements necessary to assure preservation, development, maintenance, and protection of the Heritage Area in accordance with a management plan that the Authority adopts;

   (16) Fix and revise from time to time and charge and collect rates, rents, fees, or other charges for the use of, or for services rendered in connection with, buildings, structures, land, and water to accomplish the purposes of the Authority;

   (17) (i) Borrow money from any source for any corporate purpose, including working capital for its operations, reserve funds, or interest;

      (ii) Mortgage, pledge, or otherwise encumber the property and funds of the Authority; and

      (iii) Contract with or engage the services of any person for any financing, including underwriters, placement agents, financial institutions, issuers of letters of credit, or insurers;

   (18) Subject to Part III of this subtitle, issue bonds;

   (19) Receive and accept from any public or private source contributions, gifts, or grants of money or property;

   (20) Exercise all the corporate powers granted Maryland corporations under the Maryland General Corporation Law; and

   (21) Do all things necessary or convenient to carry out the powers granted by this subtitle.

HISTORY: 1993, ch. 544; 2001, ch. 556.