Chap. 310.—An ACT to declare the necessity of creating political subdivision:
of the commonwealth with public and corporate powers to be known a:
housing authorities to undertake slum clearance and projects to provide
dwelling accommodations for persons of low income; to create such housing
authorities in cities and in counties; to define the powers and duties 0
housing authorities and to provide for the exercise of such powers, includ.

ing acquiring property, borrowing money, issuing bonds and other obliga
tions, and giving security therefor; to provide that bonds of housing au
thorities shall be legal investments; to provide that housing authoritie
may obtain the Attorney General’s Opinion upon their bonds; to con
fer remedies on obligees of housing authorities; to authorize cities, town:
counties, and other public bodies and subdivisions to aid housing projects o
housing authorities or of the United States of America by conveying o
dedicating property, by furnishing parks, playgrounds, streets, roads, wate!
sewer or drainage facilities and other improvements and facilities, by exer
cising certain other powers and by making agreements relating to such aid
to authorize cities, towns, counties and other public bodies and subdivision

to make agreements respecting the exercise of their powers relating to th
remedying or elimination of unfit dwellings, to make agreements relating
to payments by housing authorities, and to purchase bonds of housing au-
thorities; and to authorize certain cities and counties to pay moneys to
housing authorities. [H B 227]

Approved March 29, 1938

1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia as follows:

Section 1. Short title——-This act may be referred to as the “hous-
ing authorities law.”

Section 2. Finding and declaration of necessity—it is hereby
declared: (a) That the clearance, replanning and reconstruction of
the areas in which insanitary or unsafe housing conditions exist and
the providing of safe and sanitary dwelling accommodations for per-
sons of low income are public uses and purposes for which public
money may be spent and private property acquired and are govern-
mental functions of grave concern to the Commonwealth; (b) that
it is in the public interest that work on projects for such purposes be
commenced as soon as possible in order to relieve unemployment; and
the necessity in the public interest for the provisions hereinafter en-
acted, is hereby declared as a matter of legislative determination.

Section 3. Definitions——The following terms, wherever used or
referred to in this act, shall have the following respective meanings,
unless a different meaning clearly appears from the context:

(a) “Authority” or “housing authority” shall mean any of the
political subdivisions created by section four of this act.

(b) “City” shall mean any city in the Commonwealth. “County”
shall mean any county in the Commonwealth. “The city” shall mean
the particular city for which a particular housing authority is created.
“The county” shall mean the particular county for which a particular
housing authority is created.

(c) “Public body of the Commonwealth” shall mean any city,
town, county, municipal corporation, commission, district, authority,
other subdivision or public body of this Commonwealth.

(d) “Governing body” shall mean, in the case of a city, the council
(including both branches where there are two), and in the case of a
county, the board of supervisors or other governing body.

(e) “Clerk” shall mean the clerk or secretary of the city or the
clerk of the county, as the case may be, or the officer charged with
the duties customarily imposed on such clerk.

(f) “Area of operation”: (1) in the case of a housing authority
of a city shall be coextensive with the territorial boundaries of the
city; (2) in the case of a housing authority of a county, shall include
all of the county except that portion which lies within the territorial
boundaries of any city, as herein defined.

(g) “Federal government” shall include the United States of
America, the United States housing authority, or any other agency or
instrumentality, corporate or otherwise, of the United States of
America. :

(h) “Slum” shall mean any area where dwellings predominate
which, by reason of dilapidation, overcrowding, lack of ventilation,
light or sanitary facilities, or any combination of these factors, are
detrimental to safety, health or morals.

i) “Housing project’ shall mean any work or undertaking:
(1) to demolish, clear or remove buildings from any slum area; such
work or undertaking may embrace the adoption of such area to public
purposes, including parks or other recreational or community pur-
poses; or (2) to provide decent, safe and sanitary urban or rural
dwellings, apartments or other living accommodations for persons of
low income; such work or undertaking may include buildings, land,
equipment, facilities and other real or personal property for necessary,
convenient or desirable appurtenances, streets, sewers, water service,
parks, site preparation, gardening, administrative, community, health,
recreational, welfare or other purposes; or (3) to accomplish a com-
bination of the foregoing. The term “housing project” also may be
applied to the planning of the buildings and improvements, the ac-
quisition of property, the demolition of existing structures, the con-
struction, reconstruction, alteration and repair of the improvements
and all other work in connection therewith.

(j) “Persons of low income” shall mean persons or families who
lack the amount of income which is necessary (as determined by the
authority undertaking the housing project) to enable them, without
financial assistance, to live in decent, safe and sanitary dwellings,
without overcrowding.

(k) “Bonds” shall mean any bonds, notes, interim certificates,
debentures, or other obligations issued by an authority pursuant to
this act.

(1) “Real property” shall include all lands, including improve-
ments and fixtures thereon, and property of any nature appurtenant
thereto, or used in connection therewith, and every estate, interest and
right, legal or equitable, therein, including terms for years and liens
by way of judgment, mortgage or otherwise and the indebtedness
secured by such liens.

(m) “Obligee of the authority” or “obligee” shall include any
bondholder, trustee or trustees for any bondholders, or lessor demising
to the authority property used in connection with a housing project,
or any assignee or assignees of such lessor’s interest or any part
thereof, and the Federal government when it is a party to any con-
tract with the authority.

Section 4. Creation of housing authorities—In each city and in
each county there is hereby created a political subdivision of the Com-
monwealth, with such public and corporate powers as are set forth
in this act, to be known as the “housing authority” of the city or
county; provided, however, that such authority shall not transact
any business or exercise its powers hereunder until or unless the gOV-
erning body of the city or the county, as the case may be, by propet
resolution shall declare at any time hereafter that there is need for
an authority to function in such city or county. The determinatior
as to whether or not there is such need for an authority to functior
(a) may be made by the governing body on its own motion or (b)
may be made by the governing body upon the filing of a petition signed
by one hundred freeholders of the city or county, as the case may be,
asserting that there is need for an authority to function in such city
or county and requesting that the governing body so declare.

Ihe governing body may adopt a resolution declaring that there
is need for a housing authority in the city or county, as the case may
be, if it shall find (a) that insanitary or unsafe inhabited dwelling
accommodations exist in such city or county or (b) that there is a
shortage of safe or sanitary dwelling accommodations in such city or
county available to persons of low income at rentals they can afford.
In determining whether dwelling accommodations are unsafe or in-
sanitary said governing body may take into consideration the degree
of overcrowding, the percentage of land coverage, the light, air, space
and access available to the inhabitants of such dwelling accommoda-
tions, the size and arrangement of the rooms, the sanitary facilities, and
the extent to which conditions exist in such buildings which endanger
life or property by fire or other causes.

In any suit, action or proceeding involving the validity or enforce-
ment of or relating to any contract of the authority, the authority
shall be conclusively deemed to have become established and authorized
to transact business and exercise its powers hereunder upon proof
of the adoption of a resolution by the governing body declaring the
need for the authority. Such resolution or resolutions shall be deemed
sufficient if it declares that there is such need for an authority and
nds in substantially the foregoing terms (no further detail being
necessary) that either or both of the above enumerated conditions
exist in the city or county, as the case may be. A copy of such
resolution duly certified by the clerk shall be admissible in evidence
nm any suit, action or proceeding.

Section 5. Appointment, qualifications and tenure of commis-
sioners.—When the governing body of a city adopts a resolution as
iforesaid, it shall promptly notify the mayor of such adoption. Upon
eceiving such notice, the mayor shall appoint five persons as com-
nissioners of the authority created for said city. When the governing
ody of a county adopts a resolution as aforesaid, said body shall
ippoint five persons as commissioners of the authority created for
aid county. The commissioners who are first appointed shall be
lesignated to serve for terms of one, two, three, four and five years,
espectively, from the date of their appointment, but thereafter com-
missioners shall be appointed as aforesaid for a term of office of four
ears except that all vacancies shall be filled for the unexpired term.
No commissioner of an authority may be an officer or employee of
he city ‘or county for which the authority is created. A commissioner
hall hold office until his successor has been appointed and has qualified.
A certificate of the appointment or re-appointment of any commis-
joner shall be filed with the clerk and such certificate shall be con-
‘Jusive evidence of the due and proper appointment of such
‘ommissioner. A commissioner shall receive no compensation for his
services, but he shall be entitled to the necessary expenses, including
‘raveling expenses, incurred in the discharge of his duties.

The powers of each authority shall be vested in the commissioners
thereof in office from time to time. Three commissioners shall con-
stitute a quorum of the authority for the purpose of conducting its
business and exercising its powers and for all other purposes. Action
may be taken by the authority upon a vote of a majority of the
commissioners present, unless in any case the by-laws of the authority
shall require a larger number. The mayor (or in the case of an
authority for a county, the governing body of the county) shall desig-
nate which of the commissioners appointed shall be the first chairman,
but when the office of the chairman of the authority thereafter be-
comes vacant, the authority shall select a chairman from among its
commissioners. An authority shall select from among its commis-
sioners a vice-chairman, and it may employ a_ secretary (who
shall be executive director), technical experts and such other officers,
agents and employees, permanent and temporary, as it may require,
and shall determine their qualifications, duties and compensation. For
such legal services as it may require, an authority may call upon the
city attorney of the city or the attorney for the Commonwealth of
the county or may employ its own counsel and legal staff. An au-
thority may delegate to one or more of its agents or employees such
powers or duties as it may deem proper.

Section 6. Interested commissioners or employees.—No commis-
sioner, officer, agent or employee of an authority shall acquire any
‘nterest direct or indirect in any housing project or in any property
included or planned to be included in any project, nor shall he have
any interest direct or indirect in any contract or proposed contract
for materials or services to be furnished or used in connection with
any housing project.

Section 7. Removal of commissioners.—For inefficiency or ne-
glect of duty or misconduct in office, a commissioner of an authority
of any city may be removed by the mayor of such city, or in case of
an authority for a county, by the governing body of such county
but a commissioner may be removed only after he shall have been giver
a copy of the charges at least ten (10) days prior to the hearing thereor
and had an opportunity to be heard in person or by counsel. It
the event of the removal of any commissioner, a record of the pro
ceedings, together with the charges and findings thereon, shall be
filed in the office of the clerk.

Section 8. Powers of authority—An authority shall constitute ;
political subdivision of the Commonwealth with public and corporat
powers, and having all the powers fiecessary or convenient to carry
out and effectuate the purposes and provisions of this act, including
the following powers in addition to others herein granted:

(a) To sue and to be sued; to have a seal and to alter the same
at pleasure; to have perpetual succession; to make and execute con-
tracts and other instruments necessary or convenient to the exercise
of the powers of the authority; and to make and from time to time
amend and repeal by-laws, rules and regulations, not inconsistent with
law, to carry into effect the powers and purposes of the authority.

(b) Within its area of operation: to prepare, carry out, acquire,
lease and operate housing projects; to provide for the construction,
reconstruction, improvement, alteration or repair of any housing pro-
ject or any part thereof.

(c) To arrange or contract for the furnishing by any person or
agency, public or private, or services, privileges, works, or facilities
for, or in connection with, a housing project or the occupants thereof ;
and (notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this act
or in any other provision of law) to include in any contract let in
connection with a project, any provisions required to comply with any
conditions which the Federal government may have attached to its
financial aid of the project.

(d) In connection with any housing project: To lease or rent any
dwellings, houses, accommodations, lands, buildings, structures or
facilities embraced in any housing project and (subject to the limita-
tions contained in this act) to establish and revise the rents or charges
therefor; to own, hold, and improve real or personal property; to
purchase, lease, obtain options upon, acquire by gift, grant, bequest,
devise, or otherwise any real or personal property or any interest
therein; to acquire by the exercise of the power of eminent domain
any real property; to sell, lease, exchange, transfer, assign, pledge or
dispose of any real or personal property or any interest therein; to
insure or provide for the insurance of any real or personal property
or operations of the authority against any risks or hazards; to procure
or agree to the procurement of insurance or guarantees from the
Federal government of the payment of any bonds or parts thereof
issued by an authority, including the power to pay premiums on any
such insurance.

(e) To invest any funds held in reserves or sinking funds, or
any funds not required for immediate disbursement, in property or
security in which savings banks may legally invest funds subject to
their control; to purchase its bonds at a price not more than the prin-
cipal amount thereof and accrued interest, all bonds so purchased to
be cancelled.

(f{) Within its area of operation; to investigate into living, dwell-
ing and housing conditions and into the means and methods of improv-
ing such conditions; to determine where slum areas exist or where
there is a shortage of decent, safe and sanitary dwelling accommoda-
tions for persons of low income; to make studies and recommendations
relating to the problem of clearing, replanning and reconstructing of
slum areas, and the problem of providing dwelling accommodations
for persons of low income, and to co-operate with the city, the county,
the Commonwealth or any other political subdivision thereof in action
taken in connection with such problems; and to engage in research,
studies and experimentation on the subject of housing.

(g) Acting through one or more commissioners or other person
or persons designated by the authority: to conduct examinations and
investigations, and to make available to appropriate agencies (includ-
ing those charged with the duty of abating or requiring the correction
of nuisances or like conditions, or of demolishing unsafe or insanitary
structures within its area of operation) its findings and recommenda-
tions with regard to any building or property where conditions exist
which are dangerous to the public health, morals, safety or welfare.

(h) To exercise all or any part or combination of powers herein
granted.

No provisions of law with respect to the acquisition, operation
or disposition of property by other political subdivisions or public
bodies shall be applicable to an authority unless the legislature shall
specifically so state.

Section 9. Operation not for profit—It is hereby declared to
be the policy of this Commonwealth that each housing authority shall
manage and operate its housing projects in an efficient manner so as
to enable it to fix the rentals for dwelling accommodations at the
lowest possible rates consistent with such authority providing decent,
safe and sanitary dwelling accommodations, and that no housing au-
thority shall construct or operate any such project for profit, or as a
source of revenue to the city or the county. To this end an authority
shall fix the rentals for dwellings in its projects at no higher rates
than it shall find to be necessary in order to produce revenues which
(together with all other available moneys, revenues, income and re-
ceipts of the authority from whatever sources derived) will be sufh-
cient (a) to meet the cost of, and to provide for, maintaining and
operating the projects (including the cost of any insurance) and the
administrative expenses of the authority; (b) to pay, as the same
become due, the principal and interest on the bonds of the authority ;
and (c) to create (during not less than the six years immediately
succeeding its issuance of any bonds) a reserve sufficient to meet the
largest principal and interest payments which will be due on such bonds
in any one year thereafter and to maintain such reserve.

Section 10. Rentals and tenant selection—In the operation or
management of housing projects an authority shall at all times ob-
serve the following duties with respect to rentals and tenant selection:
(a) it may rent or lease the dwelling accommodations therein only
to persons of low income and at rentals within the financial reach of
such persons of low income; (b) it may rent or lease to a tenant
dwelling accommodations consisting of the number of rooms (but no
greater number) ‘which it deems’ necessary to provide safe and sani-
tary accommodations to the proposed occupants thereof, without over-
crowding; and: (c) it shall not accept any person as a tenant in any
housing project if the person or persons who would occupy the dwell-
ing accommodations have an aggregate annual income in excess ot
five times the annual rental of the quarters to be furnished such person
or persons, except that in the case of families with three or more
minor dependents, such ratio shall not exceed six to one; in com-
puting the rental for this purpose of selecting tenants, there shall be
included in the rental the average annual cost (as determined by the
authority) to occupants of heat, water, electricity, gas, cooking range
and other necessary services or facilities, whether or not the charge
for such services and facilities is in fact included in the rental.
Nothing contained in this or the preceding section shall be con-
strued as limiting the power of an authority to vest in an obligee the
right, in the event of a default by the authority, to take possession
of a housing project or cause the appointment of a receiver thereof,
free from all the restrictions imposed by this or the preceding section.

Section 11. Co-operation between authorities—-Any two or more
authorities may cooperate with one another for the purpose of plan-
ning any housing project or projects located within the area of opera-
tion of any one or more of said authorities.

Section 12. Eminent domain.—An authority shall have the right
to acquire by the exercise of the power of eminent domain any real
property which may be necessary for the purposes of such authority
under this act after the adoption by it of a resolution declaring that
the acquisition of the real property described therein is necessary for
such purposes. An authority may exercise the power of eminent do-
main in the manner provided in sections forty-three hundred and
sixty to forty-three hundred and eighty-eight, both inclusive, Code of
Virginia, and acts amendatory thereof or supplementary thereto. In
all such cases the proceedings shall be according to the provisions of
said sections so far as they can be applied to same, the term “com-
pany” as used in said sections, and any officers of a “company” re-
ferred to therein, to be construed as meaning the authority and the
commissioners thereof, respectively. Also, an authority may exercise
the power of eminent domain in the manner provided by any other
applicable statutory provisions for the exercise of the power of eminent
domain. No real property belonging to the city, the county, the Com-
monwealth or any other political subdivision thereof may be acquired
without its consent. ]

' Section 13.. Planning, zoning and building laws.—All housing pro-
jects of an authority shall be subject to the planning, zoning, sanitary
and building laws, ordinances and regulations applicable to the locality
in which the housing project is situated. In the planning and location
of any housing project, an authority shall take into consideration the
relationship of the project to any larger plan or long-range program
for the development of the area in which the housing authority func-
tions.

Section 14. Bonds.—An authority shall have power to issue bonds
from time to time in its discretion, for any of its corporate purposes.
An authority shall also have power to issue refunding bonds for the
purpose of paying or retiring bonds previously issued by it. An au-
thority may issue such types of bonds as it may determine, including
(without limiting the generality of the foregoing) :

(a) Bonds on which the principal and interest are payable:

(1) exclusively from the income and revenues of the housing
project financed with the proceeds of such bonds; or

(11) exclusively irom the income and revenues of certain desig-
nated housing projects whether or not they are financed in whole or
in part with the proceeds of such bonds; or

(111) from its revenues generally.

(b) Bonds on which the principal is payable solely from annual
contributions or grants received from the Federal government or re-
ceived from any other source, public or private.

Any such bonds may be additionally secured by a pledge of any
grant or contributions from the Federal government or other source,
or a pledge of any income or revenues of the authority, or a mortgage
of any housing project, projects or other property of the authority.

Neither the commissioners of an authority nor any person execut-
ing the bonds shall be liable personally on the bonds by reason of the
issuance thereof. The bonds and other obligations of an authority
(and such bonds and obligations shall so state on their face) shall
not be a debt of the city, the county, the State or any political sub-
division thereof (other than the authority) and neither the city or
the county, nor the State or any political subdivision thereof (other
than the authority) shall be liable thereon, nor in any event shall
such bonds or obligations be payable out of any funds or properties
other than those of said authority. The bonds shall not constitute an
indebtedness within the meaning of any constitutional or statutory debt
limitation or restriction.

Section 15. Form and sale of bonds.—Bonds of an authority shall
be authorized by its resolution and may be issued in one or more
series and shall bear such date or dates, mature at such time or times,
bear interest at such rate or rates, not exceeding six per centum (6%)
per annum, be in such denomination or denominations, be in such
form, either coupon or registered, carry such conversion or registra-
tion privileges, have such rank or priority, be executed in such man-
ner, be payable in such medium of payment, at such place or places,
and be subject to such terms of redemption (with or without pre-
mium) as such resolution, its trust indenture or mortgage may provide.

The bonds may be sold at public or private sale at not less than par.

In case any of the commissioners or officers of the authority whose
signatures appear on any bonds or coupons shall cease to be such com-
mussioners or officers before the delivery of such bonds, such signature
shall, nevertheless, be valid and sufficient for all purposes, the same a
if such commissioners or officers had remained in office until sucl
delivery. Any provisions of any law to the contrary notwithstanding
any bonds issued pursuant to this act shall be fully negotiable.

In any suit, action or proceedings involving the validity or enforce
ability of any bond of an authority or the security therefor, any sucl
bond reciting in substance that it has been issued by the authority
to aid in financing a housing project to provide dwelling accommoda.
tions for persons of low income shall be conclusively deemed to have
been issued for a housing project of such character and said project
shall be conclusively deemed to have been planned, located and con.
structed in accordance with the purposes and provisions of this act.

Section 16. Provisions of bonds, trust indentures, and mortgages.
—In connection with the issuance of bonds or the incurring of obliga-
tions under leases and in order to secure the payment of such bonds
or obligations, an authority, in addition to its other powers, shall have
power:

(a) To pledge all or any part of its gross or net rents, fees or
revenues to which its right then exists or may thereafter come into
existence. , ,

(b) To mortgage all or any part of its real or personal property,
then owned or thereafter acquired.

(c) To covenant against pledging all or any part of its rents,
fees and revenues, or against mortgaging all or any part of its real
or personal property, to which its right or title then exists or may
thereafter come into existence or against permitting or suffering any
lien on such revenues or property; to covenant with respect to limita-
tions on its right to sell, lease or otherwise dispose of any housing
project or any part thereof; and to covenant as to what other, or ad-
ditional debts or obligations may be incurred by it.

(d) To covenant as to the bonds to be issued and as to the is-
suance of such bonds in escrow or otherwise, and as to the use and
disposition of the proceeds thereof: to provide for the replacement
»f lost, destroyed or mutilated bonds: to covenant against extending
he time for the payment of its bonds or interest thereon; and to re-
leem the bonds, and to covenant for their redemption and to provide
he terms and conditions thereof.

(e) To covenant (subject to the limitations contained in this
uct) as to the rents and fees to be charged in the operation of a housing
oroject or projects, the amount to be raised each year or other period
f time by rents, fees and other revenues, and as to the use and dis-
osition to be made thereof; to create or to authorize the creation of
pecial funds for moneys held for construction or operating costs,
lebt service, reserves, or other purposes, and to covenant as to the
ise and disposition of the moneys held in such funds.

(f) To prescribe the procedure, if any, by which the terms of
ny contract with bondholders may be amended or ablose o.
mount of bonds the holders of which must consent thereto and the
nanner in which such consent may be given.

(g) To covenant as to the use of any or all of its real or personal
yroperty ; and to covenant as to the maintenance of its real and per-
onal property, the replacement thereof, the insurance to be carried
hereon and the use and disposition of insurance moneys.

(h) To covenant as to the rights, liabilities, powers and duties
arising upon the breach by it of any covenant, condition, or obligation ;
and to covenant and prescribe as to events of default and terms and
conditions upon which any or all of its bonds or obligations shall be-
come or may be declared due before maturity, and as to the terms
and conditions upon which such declaration and its consequences may
be waived.

(i) To vest in a trustee or trustees or the holders of bonds or
any proportion of them the right to enforce the payment of the bonds
or any covenants securing or relating to the bonds; to vest in a trustee
or trustees the right, in the event of a default by said authority, to
take possession and use, operate and manage any housing project
or part thereof, and to collect the rents and revenues arising therefrom
and to dispose of such moneys in accordance with the agreement of
the authority with said trustee; to provide for the powers and duties
of a trustee or trustees and to limit the liabilities thereof; and to
provide the terms and conditions upon which the trustee or trustees
or the holders of bonds or any proportion of them may enforce ‘any
covenant or rights securing or relating to the bonds.

-(j) To exercise all or any part or combination of the powers
herein granted; and to make covenants other than and in addition to
the covenants herein expressly authorized, of like or different char-
acter.

Section 18. Remedies of an obligee of authority—An obligee of
an authority shall have the right in addition to all other rights which
may be conferred on such obligee, subject only to any contractual
restrictions binding upon such obligee:

(a) By mandamus, suit, action or proceeding at law or in equity
to compel said authority and the commissioners, officers, agents of
employees thereof to perform each and every term, provision and
covenant contained in any contract of said authority with or for the
benefit of such obligee, and to require the carrying out of any or al
such covenants and agreements of said authority and the fulfillmen
of all duties imposed upon said authority by this act.

(b) By suit, action or proceeding in equity, to enjoin any act:
or things which may be unlawful, or the violation of any of the right
of such obligee of said authority.

-. Section 19. Additional remedies conferable by authority—An au
thority shall have power by its resolution, trust indenture, mortgage
lease or other contract to confer upon any obligee holding or represent
ing a specified amount in bonds, or holding a lease, the right (in addition
to all rights that may otherwise be conferred), upon the happening of
an event of default as defined in such resolution or instrument, by
suit, action or proceeding in any court of competent jurisdiction:

(a) To cause possession of any housing project or any part
thereof to be surrendered to any such obligee.

(b) To obtain the appointment of a receiver of any housing pro-
ject of said authority or any part thereof and of the rents and profits
therefrom. If such receiver be appointed, he may enter and take pos-
session of such housing project or any part thereof and operate and
maintain same, and collect and receive all fees, rents, revenues, or
other charges thereafter arising therefrom, and shall keep such moneys
in a separate account or accounts and supply the same in accordance
with the obligations of said authority as the court shall direct.

(c) To require said authority and the commissioners thereof to
account as if it and they were the trustees of an express trust.

Section 20. Aid from Federal government.—In addition to the
powers conferred upon an authority by other provisions of this act,
an authority is empowered to borrow money or accept contributions,
grants or other financial assistance from the Federal government for
or in aid of any housing project within its area of operation, to take
over or lease or manage any housing projects or undertaking, within
such area, constructed or owned by the Federal government, and to
these ends, to comply with such conditions and enter into such mort-
gages, trust indentures, leases or agreements as may be necessary,
convenient or desirable.

Section 22. Reports——At least once a year, an authority shall
file with the clerk a report of its activities for the preceding year, and
shall make recommendations with reference to such additional legisla-
tion or other action as it deems necessary in order to carry out the
purposes of this act.

Section 23. Co-operation in undertaking housing projects. —Any
county, city or. town, for the purpose of aiding and co-operating in
the planning, undertaking, construction or operation of housing pro-
jects located within such county, city or town, may:

(a) Dedicate, sell, convey or lease any of its interest in any
property, or grant easements, licenses or any other rights or privileges
therein to any such housing authority ;.

(b) Cause parks; playgrounds, recreational, enmommenty, erica:
tional, water, sewer or drainage facilities, or any other works which
it 1s otherwise empowered to undertake, to be furnished adjacent to
or in connection with housing projects;

(c) Furnish, dedicate, close, pave, install, grade, re-grade, plan
or replan streets, roads, roadways, alleys, sidewalks or other places
which it is otherwise empowered to undertake ;

(d) Plan or replan, zone or rezone any part of such county, city
own; make exceptions from building regulations and ordinances ;
city or town also may change its map;

e) Cause services to be furnished to the housing authority of
character which such county, city or town is otherwise empowered
urnish ;

‘{) Enter into agreements with respect to the exercise by such
ity, city or town of its powers relating to the repair, elimination
losing of unsafe, insanitary or unfit dwellings;

g) Purchase any of the bonds of a housing authority or legally
st in such bonds any funds belonging to or within the control of
county, city or town, and exercise all of the rights of any holder
uch bonds;

hh) Do any and all things, necessary or convenient to aid and co-
ate in the planning, undertaking, construction or operation of such
ing projects;

1) (Enter into agreements with a housing authority respecting
mn to be taken by such county, city or town pursuant to any of
powers granted by this act.

Section 24, Loans and donations to housing authority.—Any city,
ounty located in whole or in part within the area of operation of
yusing authority shall have the power from time to time to lend
lonate money to such authority or to agree to take such action.

Section 25.. Supplemental nature of act-——The powers conferred
his act shall be in addition and supplemental to the powers con-
ed by any other law.

section 26. Severability—If any provision of this act, or the
ication thereof to any person or circumstances, is held invalid, the
ainder of the act and the application of such provision to persons
ircumstances other than those as to which it is held invalid, shall
be affected thereby.

Section 27. Act controlling——In so far as the provisions of this
are inconsistent with the provisions of any other law, general,
ial or local, including provisions of charters of cities and towns,
provisions of this act shall be controlling.