| TO: | Honorable Kenneth Armbrister, Chair, Senate Committee on Natural Resources |
| FROM: | John S. O'Brien, Deputy Director, Legislative Budget Board |
| IN RE: | SB1678 by Barrientos (Relating to the powers of the Lower Colorado River Authority to adopt and implement certain environmental conservation measures.), As Introduced |
The bill would authorize the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA), which is a conservation and reclamation district, to adopt rules to limit impervious cover within the LCRA's territory. The LCRA would also be authorized to preserve habitat for fish and wildlife and to create contiguous corridors and habitats to ensure the viability of fish and wildlife and the adequacy of migration routes.
Provisions of the bill would require the LCRA to provide a rainwater harvesting alternative to platted subdivisions in its territory that petition the authority to provide surface water. Upon request by the sudivision, the authority would be required to provide certain equipment necessary to enable the subdivision to use rainwater for domestic use and lawn irrigation. The authority could recover the costs of providing equipment through leases, lease-purchase agreements, or by charging a fee.
The LCRA would be required to adopt outdoor lighting standards that must be implemented and followed by wholesale customers of the authority.
The bill would take effect immediately if it receives the required two-thirds vote in each house; otherwise, it would take effect September 1, 2005.
It is anticipated that the requirements set forth in the bill that apply to the LCRA could be absorbed within existing resources or through lease agreements or fees imposed.
It is anticipated that if any rules established by the LCRA under the provisions of the bill would have an impact on the counties within the LCRA's territory, the counties' expenses would be insignificant.
No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.
| Source Agencies: | 802 Parks and Wildlife Department, LCR Lower Colorado River Authority
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| LBB Staff: | JOB, WK, ZS, TB, DLBa
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