Bill > SB42

This bill requires the Maryland Department of the Environment to officially designate four specific interjurisdictional watersheds, which are areas of land that span multiple jurisdictions and drain to a common point. The designated watersheds include Carroll Creek in Frederick City and Frederick County, Gwynns Falls in Baltimore City and Baltimore County, Jones Falls in Baltimore City and Baltimore County, and Herring Run (including the Herring Run Stream in Baltimore City and Herring Run headwaters in Baltimore County). The bill defines new terms like "headwater stream" (the source of a stream or a small stream at the highest end of a watershed) and "interjurisdictional watershed" (an area of land across multiple jurisdictions that drains to a common outlet). It also updates existing flood management regulations to require the Department of the Environment to review and approve flood management plans for these watersheds, ensuring comprehensive flood control strategies that may include techniques like flood control dams, levees, stormwater structures, flood warning systems, and other practical methods. The bill is set to take effect on October 1, 2025, and aims to improve flood management and coordination across jurisdictional boundaries.

Education, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0042?ys=2025RS