BILL ANALYSIS
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Senate Research Center |
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AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
Section 16.051 (State Water Plan: Drought, Conservation, Development, and Management; Effect of Plan), Water Code, permits the legislature to designate a river or stream segment of unique value for the future construction of a reservoir if the site is recommended for designation in the 2007 state water plan. This designation helps preserve the site for future reservoirs by prohibiting a state agency or political subdivision from obtaining a fee title or an easement that would significantly prevent construction of a reservoir per Section 16.051(g) (relating to land designated by the legislature for construction of a reservoir) of the Water Code. Texas is currently in extreme drought, and Section 16.051 authorizes the legislature to take measures to plan for drought, conservation, development, and management of water resources.
H.B. 1042 designates the site of the proposed Ringgold Reservoir, to be located on the Little Wichita River in Clay County approximately one-half mile upstream from its confluence with the Red River, as having unique value for the construction of a dam and reservoir and further determines that the reservoir is necessary to meet water supply needs. This designation would help ensure the site is available for the proposed reservoir, helping to address the current and future water needs of the state.
H.B. 1042 amends current law relating to the designation of a site of unique value for the construction of a reservoir.
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. Provides that the legislature, as authorized by Section 16.051(g) (relating to land designated by the legislature for construction of a reservoir), Water Code, designates the site of the proposed Ringgold reservoir, to be located on the Little Wichita River in Clay County approximately one-half mile upstream from its confluence with the Red River, as having unique value for the construction of a dam and reservoir and further determines that the reservoir is necessary to meet water supply needs.
SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2015.