SRC-SEW S.B. 1600 77(R)BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research CenterS.B. 1600 By: Staples Natural Resources 5/21/2001 Enrolled DIGEST AND PURPOSE Texas residents are facing growing water demands. To meet the growing water needs of its citizens, the state will have to use water efficiently as well as look for other alternatives for water supplies such as building new water reservoirs. The Angelina Neches River Authority (ANRA) has been granted a permit that authorizes the construction of the Lake Eastex project (project), a dam and reservoir on Mud Creek that will provide an alternative water source in the surrounding five-county area. In the past, ANRA has been granted extensions on the project to facilitate the lengthy development process. ANRA has applied with the United States Army Corps of Engineers and is currently awaiting approval on a permit to allow the discharge of dredged or fill material into navigable waters at specified disposal sites. The current deadline for commencement on the project is September 1, 2001. S.B. 1600 extends the deadline for commencement of construction on the project to September 1, 2011. 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. Presents legislative findings concerning the proposed Lake Eastex project authorized by Water Use Permit No. 4228 (A-4537). SECTION 2. Requires The Texas Natural Resources Conservation Commission to issue without notice or hearing an amendment to the permit extending the deadlines for commencement and completion of construction in accordance with this Act. SECTION 3. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2001.