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.