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County staff preparing PSC reconsideration and exploring condemnation counsel for water‑system transfer
Summary
Staff said it will file a request for reconsideration with the Public Service Commission over the Maryland Water to Maryland American Water transfer and is consulting eminent‑domain attorneys about possible condemnation steps; commissioners asked staff to report back with more details.
Lee updated the board on the pending transfer of Bel Air/Maryland Water system assets to Maryland American Water and said staff is preparing a request for reconsideration to the Public Service Commission within 30 days of the PSC approval. He said staff is also consulting attorneys with condemnation experience to prepare a general framework should the county pursue eminent‑domain options.
A commissioner asked whether sending letters to other states’ PSCs involved in the multi‑state approval would be useful; Lee said the transaction spans multiple PSCs (he referenced eight states) and that the county may lack standing to obstruct another state’s review. He said staff would check whether any out-of-state approvals remain outstanding and report back.
Next steps: staff will file the reconsideration request within the PSC’s timeframe, continue consultation with condemnation counsel, and return to the board with any new developments.
