Md. Code, Nat. Res. § 8-705

(a) A governing body may establish and designate areas of land or water within its jurisdiction as waterways improvement districts, subject to the provisions of subsection (c) of this section. (b) A governing body: (1) Shall act as the district council for the district; and (2) May carry out the duties vested by law or which are reasonably necessary. (c) A governing body shall refer every proposed district to the section of waterways improvement of the Department for a report and evaluation of benefits to be achieved by creating the proposed district. The Department shall review the proposed district and submit a report to the governing body containing recommendations on feasibility and need for the proposed district. The report shall include the area within the district, the work or project to be carried out within the district pursuant to § 8-707 of this subtitle, and the estimated cost for the work or project recommended.