Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-02-22
PARK LEGISLATION
GIVEN APPROVAL
Development In Montgomery
and Prince Georges Pro-
Vided in Draft.
By a star Correspondent o. The Star.

BY stan Correspondent OF The star.
ANNAPOLIS, Md, February al
Legislation to permit Maryland to take
advantage of the terms Of the Cramton
bill for park development in Montgom-
cry and Prince Georges Counties /;
nearly ready for introduction it was said
today, of1cials Of the Maryland-Na-
tional Capital Park and Planning Com
mission having conferred yesterday with
the National Capital Park and Planning
Commission on the terms Of the pro-
posed bill.
Commissions Reported in Accord.
The two commissions, which will have
to work together to coordinate the
parkways of the District Of Columbia
and nearby Maryland, were reported in
accord on the principles Of the bill
which will be submitted to the highest
legal authorities for approval before
being introduced.
AS drafted, the bill calls for the is
suance in 1889 Of $4,000 in bonds
on the metropolitan district of Mont
gomery County, and authorizes the
commissioners Of Prince Georges Coun-
ty to issue the necessary bonds If they
decide to take advantage of the Cram
ton act.
The enabling clause, leaving the
participation Of Prince Georges County
to the discretion of the county COM
missioners, Is in accordance with the
sentiments Of the county's political
leaders, some Of whom believe Prince
Georges should join Montgomery in the
establishment of parks, but fear the
present Is an unfavorable time to COM
NIT themselves to the additional tex
which accompanies a bond issue, even
though 1t would not become operative
for eight years.
Park Tax Might Pay.
Anticipating marked increase in
the aSSesSable basis Of the metropolitan
area Of both counties, it is estimated
that the bonds could be paid for out
of the 7-cent park tax, now in effect
in Montgomery County, and authorized
but not imposed, in Prince Georges.
Under the Montgomery County plan
the Legislature will be requested to
commit the State to the repayment OF
one-third of the amount which the
county expects to borrow.
The Cramton act makes available
S4,500,000 for the purchase of park
lands in the two counties. OF this
amount, 81 500 900 would be a gift from
the Federal Government, the remaining
$3,000000 non-interest-bearin loan
The funds would be apportioned be-
tween the two counties, in case Prince
Georges takes advantage of the loan, on
ratio OF approximately three-fifths to
Montgomery and two-fifths 20 Prince
Georges. This ratio was decided upon
by comparison of the assessed valuation
OF the metropolitan districts of the two
counties.
Share in Montgomery.
The amount chargeable against Mont
gomery County for repayment under the
Federal legislation would be approx
mately $1,S00,000, applying the three
nfths ratio to the total SO ,00O, 900 loan
The 81 100000 figure of the proposed
pond issue assumes that the State OF
Maryland will repay the Federal Gov
eminent $500. 900 or one-third of the
amount OF the loan to be expended ii
Montgomery County.
In addition to the 81 300, 900 of the
loan, Montgomery County would be
eligible to receive approximately $780,.
600 as its share of the 1,5OO, 900 gift
authorized in the Cramton act to &C
with the loan. The remainder would
go to Prince Georges If it took full ad-
vantage Of the loan provision.
Under the provisions Of the bill, as
prepared by j. Bond Smith, attorney
for the Maryland Planning Commission
VAC DOLOo WOuIU Dc issued IOr q PERIOD
not TO exceed so years and would be in
an amount which could be repayed with
interest during the 50-year period.
Counties Held Liable,
Although the bonds would be issued
In the name Of the Planning Commits
sion, the bill provides that the two
counties on which they are issued must
guarantee the payment Of interest and
principal.
The measure authorizes the COM
mission to borrow q sum not to exceed
100000 on its promissory note for the
purposes Of policing such parks as are
now in existence and of providing play
grounds and other recreational facilities.
These notes would be repayed from the
park tax before the issuance of the
bonds.
Under the plan of the commission.
ponds, II issued at once, would not be-
gin bearing interest for eight years. It
Is calculated that the 5000, 900 can be
refunded during this time
The proposed act also would author
iSe the commission to dispose Of land
held by 1t when not needed.