May 22, 2003

The Honorable Michael E. Busch
Speaker of the House
State House
Annapolis MD 21401

Dear Mr. Speaker:

In accordance with Article II, Section 17 of the Maryland Constitution, today I have vetoed House Bill 804 - Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation - Guidelines for Easement Rankings.

This bill requires a county, when ranking easement applications under the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Program, to consider the guidelines adopted by the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation (MALPF) to identify easements for purchase that further the goals of the program. The guidelines adopted by MALPF must include consideration of several specified factors, such as location, soil productivity, and agricultural production.

Senate Bill 564, which was passed by the General Assembly and signed by me, accomplishes the same purpose. Therefore, it is not necessary for me to sign House Bill 804.

Sincerely,
Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr.
Governor