83R5007 JAM-D By: Miller of Comal H.B. No. 3260 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 Section 16.051(f), 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.