HBA-CBW H.B. 2719 77(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 2719
By: Noriega
State Recreational Resources
3/25/2001
Introduced



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

In 1989, the 71st Legislature directed the  Parks and Wildlife Department
(department)  to develop a state artificial reef plan (plan) to create and
enhance reef fish habitats.  The goals of the program are to enhance the
fishery resources biologically, commercially, and recreationally.  One of
the main criteria of the program is to actively pursue complex, stable, and
durable structures in form as close to their current form as possible.  Oil
and gas platforms are the primary reef building material of choice, since
they already serve as artificial reefs in the Gulf of Mexico and also meet
the material criteria of the program. The department has partnered with the
energy industry in using obsolete oil rigs near coastal regions to enhance
artificial reefs; however, the department does not have a partnership with
the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT)  to coordinate projects.   

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
Sport fishing Association,  the annual economic impact of sportfishing in
Texas is almost $2 billion. House Bill 2719 requires TxDOT to coordinate
with the 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

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 2719 amends the Parks and Wildlife Code to require 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.  The bill
authorizes  TxDOT to transfer obsolete bridges, tunnels, and causeways to
the department to create artificial reefs for use as a state park. The bill
also authorizes the department to provide assistance, including money, to a
local government to fulfill the purposes of the Act.  The bill provides
that any money appropriated to the department for the artificial reef
program may be used for the purposes of the Act. 

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or if the Act does not receive the necessary vote, the Act
takes effect September 1, 2001.