Texas Senate Bill SB1505

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to designating the Texas Division of Emergency Management as the state liaison to the United States Army Corps of Engineers.

Impact

The bill mandates that the Texas Division of Emergency Management will act as a clearinghouse for information related to federal projects undertaken by the Corps of Engineers in Texas. It requires the division to monitor project progress, local matching funds requirements, and develop guidelines to ensure compliance with federal regulations. This legislative change could significantly improve the management of federal projects in the state, ensuring that local governments and stakeholders are kept informed.

Summary

SB1505 aims to establish the Texas Division of Emergency Management as the official state liaison to the United States Army Corps of Engineers. The intention behind the bill is to facilitate better communication and coordination between state agencies and the Corps, particularly in managing and monitoring federal projects within Texas. This initiative will enhance the state's ability to handle federal appropriations and infrastructure projects more effectively by clarifying roles and responsibilities.

Contention

While the bill may streamline processes relating to federal projects, potential points of contention include concerns about the adequacy of state oversight versus local input. Some stakeholders may argue that centralizing the role of the state liaison could limit the ability of local entities to engage directly with federal project management. Moreover, the bill explicitly states that the division is not responsible for any local matching fund requirements, raising questions about financial obligations for local sponsors engaged in Corps of Engineers projects.