1-1                                   AN ACT
 1-2     relating to the use of obsolete bridges, tunnels, and causeways to
 1-3     create artificial reefs.
 1-4           BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
 1-5           SECTION 1. Subchapter A, Chapter 89, Parks and Wildlife Code,
 1-6     is amended by adding Section 89.005 to read as follows:
 1-7           Sec. 89.005.  USE OF BRIDGES, TUNNELS, AND CAUSEWAYS. (a)
 1-8     The Texas Department of Transportation shall coordinate with the
 1-9     department and local governments to use obsolete bridges, tunnels,
1-10     and causeways to create artificial reefs under this chapter.
1-11           (b)  The Texas Department of Transportation may transfer
1-12     obsolete bridges, tunnels, and causeways to the department to
1-13     create artificial reefs.
1-14           (c)  The department may provide assistance, including money,
1-15     to a local government to fulfill the purposes of this section.
1-16           (d)  Any money appropriated to the department for the
1-17     artificial reef program under this chapter may be used for the
1-18     purposes of this section.
1-19           SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
1-20     a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
1-21     provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this
1-22     Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
1-23     Act takes effect September 1, 2001.
         _______________________________     _______________________________
             President of the Senate              Speaker of the House
               I certify that H.B. No. 2719 was passed by the House on May
         8, 2001, by the following vote:  Yeas 147, Nays 0, 2 present, not
         voting.
                                             _______________________________
                                                 Chief Clerk of the House
               I certify that H.B. No. 2719 was passed by the Senate on May
         22, 2001, by the following vote:  Yeas 30, Nays 0, 1 present, not
         voting.
                                             _______________________________
                                                 Secretary of the Senate
         APPROVED:  __________________________
                              Date
                    __________________________
                            Governor