May 26, 2004

The Honorable Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr.
President of the Senate
State House
Annapolis MD 21401

Dear Mr. President:

In accordance with Article II, Section 17 of the Maryland Constitution, I have today vetoed Senate Bill 327 - Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation - Easement Termination.

This bill requires that the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation provide a landowner with the opportunity for a hearing before deciding on a request for termination of an agricultural land preservation easement whose purchase is approved by the Board of Public Works on or before September 30, 2004. It requires that easements whose purchase is approved by the Board of Public Works on or after October 1, 2004, be held by the Foundation in perpetuity.

House Bill 777, which was passed by the General Assembly and signed by me on May 11, 2004, accomplishes the same purpose. Therefore, it is not necessary for me to sign Senate Bill 327.

Very truly yours,
Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr.
Governor