SRC-SEW S.B. 1600 77(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 1600
77R9234 TBy: Staples
Natural Resources
4/6/2001
As Filed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Currently, 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.  As proposed, 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:  September 1, 2001.