BILL ANALYSIS
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Senate Research Center |
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AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
George P. Mitchell (1919-2013) was born in Galveston, Texas, to a family of Greek immigrants. He was not a man who inherited wealth. He worked his way through Texas A&M University, where he was the captain of the tennis team and graduated first in his class with a degree in petroleum engineering. After receiving his degree, he served his country in the Army Corps of Engineers during World War II.
George Mitchell founded an independent oil and gas company, Mitchell Energy & Development Corporation. Through his efforts he discovered a method to unlock the natural gas and oil contained in the dense shale formation thousands of feet below the earth's surface that started an industry revolution to drive a boom in oil and gas production.
Cynthia Mitchell, George Mitchell's wife, has also created her own legacy as a dedicated supporter of the arts, educational initiatives, and humanitarian issues. She spearheaded the effort to launch the University of Houston's Distinguished Authors Program, helped establish the Global Children's Foundation to provide safe havens for young victims of war and tyranny, and helped develop the Houston Symphony.
Through their foundation, the Mitchells have spearheaded efforts to create better communities in cities across the State of Texas. Specifically, the Mitchells have led efforts to revitalize their hometown of Galveston, Texas, by taking leading roles in the rejuvenation of Galveston's historic Strand District through restoration of many commercial buildings.
Given George and Cynthia Mitchell's contribution to the City of Galveston and also to the state of Texas, it is fitting to name the causeway connecting the city with the rest of the state as the George and Cynthia Mitchell Memorial Causeway.
H.B. 2181 amends current law relating to the designation of the causeway that connects Galveston Island to the Texas mainland as the George and Cynthia Mitchell Memorial Causeway.
H.B. 2181 amends current law relating to designating the Interstate Highway 45 causeway to Galveston the George and Cynthia Mitchell Memorial Causeway.
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. Amends Subchapter B, Chapter 225, Transportation Code, by adding Section 225.103, as follows:
Sec. 225.103. GEORGE AND CYNTHIA MITCHELL MEMORIAL CAUSEWAY. (a) Provides that the structure on Interstate Highway 45 that connects Galveston Island to the Texas mainland and is commonly known as the Galveston Causeway is designated as the George and Cynthia Mitchell Memorial Causeway. Provides that the designation is in addition to any other designation.
(b) Requires the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), subject to Section 225.021(c) (prohibiting TxDOT from designing, constructing, or erecting a marker under this subchapter unless a grant or donation of funds is made to TxDOT to cover the cost of the design, construction, and erection of the marker), to:
(1) design and construct markers indicating the designation as the George and Cynthia Mitchell Memorial Causeway and any other appropriate information; and
(2) erect a marker at each end of the causeway.
SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2015.