TITLE 31.NATURAL RESOURCES AND CONSERVATION

Part 1. GENERAL LAND OFFICE

Chapter 15. COASTAL AREA PLANNING

Subchapter A. CERTIFICATION OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT DUNE PROTECTION AND BEACH ACCESS PLANS

31 TAC §15.11

The General Land Office (Land Office) proposes an amendment to §15.11(a)(12), relating to Certification of Local Government Dune Protection and Beach Access Plans (plans). The amendment is being proposed to certify the Nueces County Mustang Island Episcopal Conference Center master plan.

On January 31, 2000, the Nueces County Commissioners Court adopted by order the Mustang Island Episcopal Conference Center master plan, which is an amendment to the county's dune protection plan. In the amendment to §15.11(a)(12), the Land Office certifies that the dune protection section of the Mustang Island Episcopal Conference Center master plan is consistent with state law.

Ashley K. Wadick, Deputy Commissioner for the Resource Management Program, has determined that for the first five-year period the rule is in effect the fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the rule will be a decrease in cost because all impacts to dunes and dune vegetation are considered at one time, with no additional permit-by-permit review.

Ms. Wadick has also determined that for each year of the first five-year period the rule is in effect the public benefit as a result of enforcing or administering the rule will be predictable, effective and economical administration of the development of the geographic area encompassed in the Mustang Island Episcopal Conference Center master plan. Ms. Wadick has further determined that there will be a decrease in cost to small and large businesses and individuals affected by the Mustang Island Episcopal Conference Center master plan because there will be no individual dune protection permits required for impact to dune and dune vegetation. The state and Nueces county will benefit from the certification of the Mustang Island Episcopal Conference Center master plan because all impacts within the geographic scope of the master plan are considered at one time, with no individual permits required.

The Land Office has prepared a takings impact assessment for the proposed rule and has determined that the rule will not result in a taking of private real property. To receive a copy of the takings impact assessment, please send a written request to Ms. Melinda Tracy, Texas Register Liaison, P.O. Box 12873, Austin, Texas, 78711-2873, melinda.tracy@glo.state.tx.us, facsimile (512) 463-6311.

Comments may be submitted in writing to Ms. Melinda Tracy. To be considered, comments must be received no later than 5:00 p.m., July 16, 2000.

The amendment is proposed under Texas Natural Resources Code §§63.121, 61.011, and 61.015(b), which provide the Land Office with the authority to identify and protect critical dune areas; preserve and enhance the public's right to use and have access to and from Texas' public beaches; protect the public easement from erosion and reduction caused by development or other activities on adjacent land; and other minimum measures needed to mitigate for any adverse effects on public access and dune areas.

The amendment is also proposed pursuant to Texas Natural Resources Code, §33.601, which provides the Land Office with the authority to adopt rules on erosion, and Texas Water Code, §16.321, which provides the Land Office to adopt rules relating to coastal flood protection.

Texas Natural Resources Code, Chapter 61, Subchapter B, §61.011, and §61.015(b), and Texas Natural Resources Code, Chapter 63, Subchapter E, §63.121, are affected by the proposed amendment.

§15.11.Certification of Local Government Dune Protection and Beach Access Plans.

(a)

Certification of local government plans. The following local governments have submitted plans to the General Land Office which are certified as consistent with state law:

(1)-(11)

(No change.)

(12)

Nueces County

(A)-(C)

(No change.)

(D)

Mustang Island Episcopal Conference Center master plan. The General Land Office certifies that the dune protection section of the Mustang Island Episcopal Conference Center master plan adopted by the Nueces County Commissioners Court on January 31, 2000, is consistent with state law.

(b)-(e)

(No change.)

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on May 26, 2000.

TRD-200003790

Larry Soward

Chief Clerk

General Land Office

Earliest possible date of adoption: July 16, 2000

For further information, please call: (512) 305-9129