SRC-MWN H.B. 2719 77(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 2719 77R10174 MXM-DBy: Noriega (Brown) Natural Resources 5/11/2001 Engrossed DIGEST AND PURPOSE 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. H.B. 2719 requires TxDOT to coordinate with the Parks and Wildlife 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 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 89A, Parks and Wildlife Code, by adding Section 89.005, as follows: Sec. 89.005. USE OF BRIDGES, TUNNELS, AND CAUSEWAYS. (a) Requires 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 under this chapter. (b) Authorizes TxDOT to transfer obsolete bridges, tunnels, and causeways to the department to create artificial reefs. (c) Authorizes the department to provide assistance, including money, to a local government to fulfill the purposes of this section. (d) Authorizes any money appropriated to the department for the artificial reef program under this chapter to be used for the purposes of this section. SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2001.