TITLE 13.CULTURAL RESOURCES

Part 2. TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION

Chapter 12. TEXAS HISTORIC COURTHOUSE PRESERVATION PROGRAM

13 TAC §12.5, §12.7

The Texas Historical Commission adopts amendments to §12.5 and §12.7, related to the Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program without changes to the text as published in the November 22, 2002, issue of the Texas Register (27 TexReg 10837) and will not be republished. Also in this issue of the Texas Register the Texas Historical Commission is withdrawing §12.9.

These amendments are being adopted as a means of clarification and strengthening requirements.

Comments on the proposed rule changes were received from the Texas Conference of Urban Counties who commented on §12.9 (e) of the rules, that states "As a condition for a county to receive money under the courthouse fund, the commission must require creation of a conservation easement on the property with a minimum term of 50 years, and may require creation of other appropriate covenants in favor of the state. The highest preference will be given to counties agreeing to the above referenced easements or covenants in perpetuity at the time of application." The Texas Conference of Urban Counties is concerned that the proposed mandatory easement period is too long.

These amendments are adopted under Texas Government Code, §442.005 (q) which authorized the Texas Historical Commission to promulgate rules to carry out the intent of this chapter.

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 March 10, 2003.

TRD-200301657

F. Lawerence Oaks

Executive Director

Texas Historical Commission

Effective date: March 30, 2003

Proposal publication date: November 22, 2002

For further information, please call: (512) 463-6100