Relating to the creation of the Deep East Texas Groundwater Conservation District; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments, fees, and taxes.
Impact
The impact of SB1840 is significant for local governance and resource management within the designated counties. By creating a local governmental entity responsible for groundwater management, the bill aims to enhance control over water resources, addressing potential environmental challenges associated with groundwater depletion and contamination. The structure allows the district to levy a limited tax, set at a maximum of five cents per $100 of property valuation, providing a funding mechanism while remaining mindful of economic constraints on local property owners.
Summary
SB1840 establishes the Deep East Texas Groundwater Conservation District, primarily encompassing Sabine, San Augustine, and Shelby Counties. The bill empowers the district to manage groundwater resources effectively by allowing the board of directors to impose assessments, fees, and taxes necessary for its operations. Importantly, the act emphasizes that the district shall not produce groundwater for sale, ensuring that the focus remains on conservation rather than commercial exploitation.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding SB1840 include the restrictions placed on the district, such as the prohibition against the use of eminent domain and the limitation on producing groundwater for commercial sale. Critics may argue that while these restrictions protect local landowners' rights, they might also hinder potential revenue opportunities from groundwater resources. Additionally, the necessity of a confirmation election for the district's establishment could lead to political disputes, particularly regarding voter turnout and public engagement in water management issues.
Identical
Relating to the creation of the Deep East Texas Groundwater Conservation District; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments, fees, and taxes.
Relating to the creation of The Grand Prairie Management District; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments, fees, and taxes.
Relating to the creation of the Montgomery County Management District No. 2; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments, fees, and taxes.
Relating to the creation of the Williamson County Development District No. 1; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments, fees, and taxes.
Relating to the creation of the Liberty County Management District No. 2; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments, fees, and taxes.
Relating to the creation of the Liberty County Management District No. 2; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments, fees, and taxes.
Relating to the creation of the Deer Creek Ranch Municipal Utility District No. 1; granting a limited power of eminent domain; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments, fees, and taxes.
Relating to the creation of the Sandow Municipal Utility District No. 1; granting a limited power of eminent domain; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments, fees, and taxes.
Relating to the creation of the Sandow Municipal Utility District No. 1; granting a limited power of eminent domain; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments, fees, and taxes.
Relating to the creation of the Deep East Texas Groundwater Conservation District; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments, fees, and taxes.
Relating to the creation of the Western Travis County Groundwater Conservation District; providing general law authority to issue bonds and exercise the power of eminent domain; providing general law authority to impose assessments, fees, surcharges, or taxes.
Relating to the creation of the Harrison County and Prairielands Groundwater Conservation Districts; providing authority to impose a tax and issue bonds and granting a limited power of eminent domain.
Relating to the creation of the Val Verde County Groundwater Conservation District; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose fees, surcharges, and taxes.
Relating to the creation of the Val Verde County Groundwater Conservation District; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose fees, surcharges, and taxes.