SRC-PNG S.B. 708 76(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 708 76R4896 MI-FBy: Jackson Natural Resources 4/6/1999 As Filed DIGEST Currently, no approved management plans are in place to protect Texas estuaries. This bill would implement and finance approved management plans for designated estuaries of national significance in the state PURPOSE As proposed, S.B. 708 provides for the implementation and financing of approved management plans for designated estuaries of national significance in the state. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. DEFINITIONS. Defines "approved implementation program," "approved comprehensive conservation and management plan," "implementing agency," and "National Estuary Program." SECTION 2. RECOGNITION OF NATIONAL SIGNIFICANCE OF ESTUARIES OF TEXAS COAST. Recognizes the state and national significance of Texas coast estuaries and recognizes that the cooperative efforts created by the National Estuary Program serve a public and state purpose. Sets forth that by virtue of that state purpose, an approved implementation program established under the National Estuary Program is eligible to receive state funds through a grant program administered by the Coastal Coordination Council. SECTION 3. FINDING OF BENEFIT AND PUBLIC PURPOSE. Recognizes the importance of implementing estuary management plans by protecting and improving water quality and restoring estuarine habitat that makes the bays and estuaries productive and continuing the involvement of the public and the many interests who use and appreciate the estuarine resources of Texas. Sets forth that state participation in estuary programs to protect state resources serves a public use and benefit. SECTION 4. LEAD STATE AGENCY. Provides that the Coastal Coordination Council is the lead state agency for the implementation of approved comprehensive and management plans developed under the National Estuary Program. SECTION 5. STATE AGENCY PARTICIPATION. Requires certain state agencies to participate and provide assistance to the estuary programs in implementing approved comprehensive conservation and management plans. SECTION 6. ESTUARY PROGRAM OFFICES. Requires the estuary program office of the Galveston Bay Estuary, the Coastal Bend Bays Estuaries, and any other estuary of the state included in the National Estuary Program to be maintained in the region of the estuary involved. SECTION 7. IMPLEMENTATION FUNDING. Sets forth that funding for the implementation of approved comprehensive conservation and management plans is to be shared by the state, local governments in the area of the estuaries, and the federal government. SECTION 8. ELIGIBILITY FOR STATE FUNDING. Provides that a comprehensive conservation and management plan is eligible for state funding to assist in implementation of the plan if certain conditions are met. SECTION 9. ADMINISTRATION. Authorizes the Coastal Coordination Council and any state agency designated as an implementing agency for an approved comprehensive conservation and management plan to accept and make grants and enter into contracts to accomplish the actions identified in the approved plan and to further the purposes of this Act. SECTION 10. EMERGENCY. Emergency clause. Effective date: upon passage.