By Bernsen                                            S.B. No. 1129
         77R4466 JAT-D                           
                                A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 1-1                                   AN ACT
 1-2     relating to the creation of a scenic byways program.
 1-3           BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
 1-4           SECTION 1. Chapter 221, Transportation Code, is amended by
 1-5     adding Section 221.004 to read as follows:
 1-6           Sec. 221.004.  SCENIC BYWAYS PROGRAM. (a)  The department
 1-7     shall develop, implement, and administer a program to:
 1-8                 (1)  designate as scenic byways, highways or portions
 1-9     of highways in the state highway system that have notable scenic,
1-10     historic, cultural, natural, recreational, or archaeological
1-11     qualities;
1-12                 (2)  encourage and coordinate state actions and
1-13     activities by other entities that relate to the development,
1-14     protection, promotion, and management of those designated scenic
1-15     byways;
1-16                 (3)  enhance recreational, cultural, and archaeological
1-17     resources along those designated scenic byways;
1-18                 (4)  promote economic development along those
1-19     designated scenic byways; and
1-20                 (5)  educate residents of and visitors to this state on
1-21     the history, culture, and natural beauty of this state.
1-22           (b)  The department shall:
1-23                 (1)  adopt rules for the administration of this section
1-24     and the scenic byways program; and
 2-1                 (2)  structure the program under this section to
 2-2     maximize the amount of money available from the federal government
 2-3     for the program.
 2-4           (c)  Rules adopted by the department under Subsection (b)
 2-5     must be consistent with 23 U.S.C. Section 162 and regulations
 2-6     adopted under that section.
 2-7           SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
 2-8     a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
 2-9     provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this
2-10     Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
2-11     Act takes effect September 1, 2001.