HBA-DMH H.B. 2719 77(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 2719
By: Noriega
State Recreational Resources
7/11/2001
Enrolled



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

In 1989, the 71st Legislature directed the  Parks and Wildlife Department
(department)  to develop a state artificial reef plan (plan) to create and
enhance reef fish habitats.  The goals of the program are to enhance the
state's fishery resources biologically, commercially, and recreationally.
One of the main criteria of the program is to actively pursue complex,
stable, and durable structures in a form as close to their current form as
possible.  Oil and gas platforms are the primary reef building material of
choice since the platforms already serve as artificial reefs in the Gulf of
Mexico and also meet the material criteria of the program. The department
has partnered with the energy industry in using obsolete oil rigs near
coastal regions to enhance artificial reefs; however, the department does
not have a partnership with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT)
to coordinate projects.   

Enhancement of artificial reefs may increase the economic development of
the coastal region and contribute to the tax base of Texas through fishing,
tourism, and diving.  According to a 1996 report by the American
Sportfishing Association,  the annual economic impact of sportfishing in
Texas is almost $2 billion. House Bill 2719 requires TxDOT to coordinate
with the department and local governments for the use of obsolete bridges,
tunnels, and causeways to create artificial reefs and sets forth provisions
regarding the funding for coordinating such efforts.  

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 2719 amends the Parks and Wildlife Code to require the Texas
Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to coordinate with the Parks and
Wildlife Department (department) and local governments to use obsolete
bridges, tunnels, and causeways to create artificial reefs.  The bill
authorizes  TxDOT to transfer obsolete bridges, tunnels, and causeways to
the department to create artificial reefs. The bill also authorizes the
department to provide assistance, including money, to a local government to
fulfill the purposes of the Act.  

EFFECTIVE DATE

June 15, 2001.