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.