Maryland Constitution Article XII - Public Works
Maryland Constitution – Article XII: Public Works
Overview:
Article XII of the Maryland Constitution establishes the Board of Public Works, a powerful executive body responsible for overseeing the state's financial decisions related to public infrastructure and improvements. It plays a central role in Maryland's capital budgeting process.
Key Provisions:
Establishment of the Board:
The article creates a Board of Public Works composed of three members:
The Governor
The Comptroller
The State Treasurer
Duties and Powers:
The Board is empowered to approve all capital improvements and expenditures involving public funds for infrastructure projects, such as roads, bridges, and public buildings.
It has authority over contracts and leases involving the state, especially those involving the expenditure of public money.
The Board ensures projects are fiscally responsible and in the public interest.
Supervision of Public Works:
The Board oversees the execution of any public works funded or authorized by the state.
It may investigate and intervene if there are concerns about the misuse or waste of funds.
Checks and Balances:
This body serves as a check on executive authority, ensuring that large expenditures and infrastructure developments undergo oversight beyond just the Governor’s office.
Significance:
The Board of Public Works is one of the most powerful entities in Maryland’s government structure because it holds final approval authority over many financial and infrastructure matters.
It ensures fiscal oversight and public accountability in the management of the state’s resources.
Its composition (including independently elected officials like the Comptroller) helps balance power within the executive branch.
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