§ 13-5-816. Subsidies for wastewater extension projects.

   (a)   Definitions. In this section, the following words have the meanings indicated.

      (1)   "Combined gross income" has the meaning stated in § 13-5-815.

      (2)   "Critical area" has the meaning stated in § 18-1-101 of this Code.

      (3)   "Eligible area" means property that is located in:

         (i)   the critical area;

         (ii)   an on-site wastewater management problem area;

         (iii)   an area designated in the County's Master Plan for Water Supply and Sewerage Systems as a septic to sewer conversion area; or

         (iv)   an area that is adjacent to one of the areas listed in (i) through (iii) and that is also within the boundaries of a wastewater extension project that includes one of the areas listed in (i) though (iii).

      (4)   "Gross income" has the meaning stated in § 13-5-815.

      (5)   "On-site wastewater management problem area" means an area determined to be a wastewater management problem area in the County's Master Plan for Water Supply and Sewerage Systems, as adopted by the County Council.

      (6)   "Properties with existing improvements" has the meaning stated in § 13-5-813.

   (b)   Subsidy allowed. At the discretion of the Director and upon application of the property owner, the County may subsidize the per-property project cost for residential properties with existing improvements located in a wastewater extension project in an eligible area. The subsidy may be:

      (1)   up to 25% of the per-property project cost for a property owned by an individual or trustee if the combined gross income is equal to or less than the level set forth in COMAR 26.03.13.04D(1); or

      (2)   up to 12.5% of the per-property project cost for a property owned by an individual or trustee if the combined gross income is greater than the level set forth in COMAR 26.03.13.04D, or for property owners other than an individual or trustee.

   (c)   Criteria. In determining whether to subsidize a wastewater extension project in an eligible area, the Director shall consider:

      (1)   the proximity of the wastewater extension project to existing wastewater infrastructure;

      (2)   the environmental and health benefits of the wastewater extension project;

      (3)   engineering considerations;

      (4)   the availability of funds for a subsidy;

      (5)   the financial viability of the wastewater extension project; and

      (6)   Federal or State aid.

(Bill No. 95-19; Bill No. 98-20)