Bill Text: TX SB589 | 2013-2014 | 83rd Legislature | Engrossed

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Bill Title: Relating to the designation of certain river or stream segments as being of unique ecological value.

Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Democrat 2-1)

Status: (Engrossed - Dead) 2013-05-07 - Left pending in committee [SB589 Detail]

Download: Texas-2013-SB589-Engrossed.html

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By: Hegar, Van de Putte, S.B. No. 589

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the designation of certain river or stream segments as
being of unique ecological value.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. DEFINITION. In this Act, "Region L" means
Regional Water Planning Area L designated in accordance with
Section 16.053, Water Code, as the area's boundaries existed on
September 1, 2013.
SECTION 2. DESIGNATION OF RIVER OR STREAM SEGMENTS OF
UNIQUE ECOLOGICAL VALUE. The legislature, as authorized by
Subsection (f), Section 16.051, Water Code, designates as being of
unique ecological value the following river or stream segments:
(1) the Nueces River from the northern boundary of
Region L to United States Geological Survey gauge number 08190000;
(2) the Frio River from the northern boundary of
Region L to United States Geological Survey gauge number 08195000;
(3) the Sabinal River from the northern boundary of
Region L to its intersection with State Highway 187;
(4) the San Marcos River from a point 0.4 miles
upstream from its intersection with State Highway Loop 82 to its
intersection with Interstate Highway 35; and
(5) the Comal River from its intersection with East
Klingemann Street in New Braunfels to its confluence with the
Guadalupe River.
SECTION 3. EFFECT OF DESIGNATION. The designation of a
river or stream segment as being of unique ecological value under
Section 2 of this Act:
(1) means only that a state agency or political
subdivision of the state may not finance the actual construction of
a reservoir in the designated segment;
(2) does not affect the ability of a state agency or
political subdivision of the state to construct, operate, maintain,
or replace a weir, a water diversion, flood control, drainage, or
water supply system, or a recreational facility in the designated
segment;
(3) does not prohibit the permitting, financing,
construction, operation, maintenance, or replacement of any water
management strategy to meet projected water supply needs
recommended in, or designated as an alternative in, the 2011
Regional Water Plan for Region L; and
(4) does not alter any existing property right of an
affected landowner.
SECTION 4. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Act takes effect September
1, 2013.