Chairman Watson and Members of the County Council:

The Howard County League of Women Voters supports Council Bill 11-2010, which would allow the counter to acquire development rights on county agricultural lands for an aggregate deferred purchase price of not more than $12,500,000 plus interest thereon, and an aggregate up-front purchase of not more than $14,030,000, utilizing funds dedicated to agricultural land preservation.

Our support for the bill the bill is based on our land use position of support for agriculture as a preferred land use in the rural areas of the county. Maintaining agricultural land will be an increasing priority in this county and the League supports the council taking proactive measures as early as possible.

The League urges adoption of Council Bill 11-2010.

Alice Giles
Co-Chair, Action