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.