TITLE 4.AGRICULTURE

Part 1. TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Chapter 29. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Subchapter A. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

4 TAC §§29.1 - 29.3

The Texas Department of Agriculture (department) adopts new Chapter 29, Subchapter A, §§29.1-29.3, concerning the department's Economic Development Program, without changes to the proposal published in the November 30, 2001, issue of the Texas Register (26 TexReg 9699). The new sections are adopted to implement House Bill 746, as enacted by the 77th Legislature, 2001, codified as new Texas Agriculture Code, §12.027, which authorizes the department to maintain an economic development program to assist rural areas in the state of Texas. The new sections are further adopted to enhance the creation of additional jobs and capital investment in rural areas of Texas. New §29.1 provides the authority for the Subchapter. New §29.2 sets out how the program will be administered. New §29.3 provides for the employment of staff and for cooperation with other agencies to carry out the program.

No comments were received on the proposal.

The new sections are adopted under Senate Bill 746, codified as the Texas Agriculture Code (the Code), §12.027, which authorizes the department to establish a rural economic development program to assist rural areas in the state; §3 of Senate Bill 746, which authorizes the department to adopt rules to administer §12.027 and, the Code, §12.016, which authorizes the department to adopt rules to carry out its duties under the Code.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on January 7, 2002.

TRD-200200063

Dolores Alvarado Hibbs

Deputy General Counsel

Texas Department of Agriculture

Effective date: January 27, 2002

Proposal publication date: November 30, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 463-4075