HBA-JEK H.B. 2334 77(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 2334
By: Zbranek
Transportation
7/2/2001
Enrolled



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

The Big Thicket National Preserve (preserve) was established as the first
preserve in the National Park System on October 11, 1974.  The preserve
encompasses more than 97,000 acres of biologically diverse land in
southeastern Texas and boasts a unique population of endangered and
threatened species.  A new 7,000 square foot visitor center for the
preserve is scheduled to open in 2001 and will attract more visitors to the
preserve.  Designating the highway that transects the preserve as the Big
Thicket National Preserve Parkway may enhance eco-tourism opportunities for
the area.  House Bill 2334 designates U.S. Highway 69 between Interstate
Highway 10 in Beaumont and Loop 287 in Lufkin as the Big Thicket National
Preserve Parkway. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does
not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, department, agency, or institution. 

ANALYSIS

House Bill 2334 amends the Transportation Code to designate U.S. Highway 69
between Interstate Highway 10 in Beaumont and Loop 287 in Lufkin as the Big
Thicket National Preserve Parkway.  The bill requires the Texas Department
of Transportation to design and construct markers indicating the
designation as the Big Thicket National Preserve Parkway and any other
appropriate information. 

EFFECTIVE DATE

June 15, 2001.