SRC-BWC H.B. 2334 77(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 2334
77R8232 JAT-DBy: Zbranek (Staples)
State Affairs
5/8/2001
Engrossed


DIGEST 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 under construction 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.  H.B. 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

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a
state officer, institution, or agency. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Chapter 225B, Transportation Code, by adding Section
225.046, as follows: 

Sec. 225.046.  BIG THICKET NATIONAL PRESERVE PARKWAY.  Provides that U.S.
Highway 69 between Interstate Highway 10 in Beaumont and Loop 287 in Lufkin
is designated as the Big Thicket National Preserve Parkway (parkway).
Requires the Department of Transporation (department) to design and
construct markers indicating the designation as the parkway and any other
appropriate information.  Requires the department to erect a marker at each
end of the parkway and at appropriate intermediate sites along the parkway. 

SECTION 2.  Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2001.