ANNAPOLIS — Gov. Martin O'Malley says his administration wants to strengthen Smart Growth initiatives begun under former governor Parris Glendening to curb sprawl and protect the Chesapeake Bay.

He said Monday he would propose six bills during the upcoming legislative session designed to manage growth and preserve farmland.

One bill would end the authority of local governments to ignore their planning maps when approving developments.

The administration, however, is not proposing restrictions on development.
Under another bill, fishermen would be required to lease sites in the bay for oyster harvests. Harvesting would not be allowed in areas not available for lease.

Other legislation would reauthorize a tax credit for rehabilitating historic properties.