By: Hughes, Hall S.C.R. No. 32
(In the Senate - Filed March 12, 2021; April 1, 2021, read
first time and referred to Committee on Water, Agriculture & Rural
Affairs; April 20, 2021, reported favorably by the following vote:
Yeas 9, Nays 0; April 20, 2021, sent to printer.)
Click here to see the committee vote
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The Northeast Texas Trail is a 130-mile-long
converted rail corridor, stretching from Farmersville through 19
rural towns and 7 counties to New Boston; and
WHEREAS, Since 2012, the Northeast Texas Trail Coalition has
advocated for turning this previously unused land into a
comprehensive system of parks, paths, and protected natural areas;
under the group's vision, the NETT will be the longest pedestrian,
bicycle, and equestrian trail in Texas, and it will link population
centers, public facilities, and neighborhoods across the region;
and
WHEREAS, The construction of the NETT is expected to help
revitalize the communities along the trail's route, many of which
are severely disadvantaged; according to a 2014 economic impact
assessment, the project is a low-cost investment that will create
jobs, increase tourism, conserve valuable land, and bolster
property values; furthermore, studies show that when citizens have
access to safe and well-maintained outdoor spaces that can be used
for recreation, relaxation, and exercise, their overall quality of
life is improved; and
WHEREAS, The development of the Northeast Texas Trail is
likely to have a positive impact on the health, welfare, and
economic prosperity of the region's rural communities, and the
possibility of making it a part of the Texas Parks and Wildlife
system should be explored; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 87th Legislature of the State of Texas
hereby request the lieutenant governor and the speaker of the House
of Representatives to direct the appropriate house and senate
committees to conduct an interim study regarding the feasibility of
integrating the Northeast Texas Trail into the state park system;
and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the studies identify next steps in planning
and changes required in state statutes, agency administrative
rules, and local ordinances, and that the committees consider in
their studies management and governance issues and coordination, as
well as the initial and ongoing resources needed to fully
incorporate the NETT into the state park system; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the committees submit full reports, including
findings and recommendations, to the 88th Legislature no later than
December 31, 2022.
* * * * *