The bill proposes the establishment of the Lake Houston Dredging and Maintenance District, which will be governed by a board of seven directors appointed by local authorities, including the Harris County Commissioners Court and the City of Houston's city council. The district is designated as a conservation and reclamation district, with its boundaries coextensive with Harris County. It will have the authority to perform dredging and maintenance operations on Lake Houston and its tributaries, including the removal of sediment and debris, while ensuring that such activities do not negatively impact water quality. The district will also have the power to issue revenue bonds to fund its operations and may seek grants to support its activities.
Additionally, the bill includes provisions that prohibit the district from imposing taxes or fees and limits state funding to a maximum of $25 million per fiscal year, with no appropriations allowed after September 1, 2027. The initial board members must be appointed by September 1, 2026, and the board will determine staggered terms for its members. The legal framework for the district is established under the Special District Local Laws Code, with specific sections added to outline its powers, duties, and financial provisions.
Statutes affected: Introduced: ()