PARKS AND WILDLIFE CODE
CHAPTER 25. WATER DISTRICT AND RIVER AUTHORITY PARKS
§ 25.001. STATE POLICY; LEGISLATIVE
FINDINGS. (a) The policy of the legislature and the intent of
this chapter are to encourage the conservation and development of
water in the state and water-related land areas for public
recreation.
(b) The legislature finds:
(1) that the use of water resources in the state for
public recreation is a useful purpose;
(2) that the conservation and development of water
resources for public recreation purposes are public rights and
duties; and
(3) that the acquisition and improvement of land areas
related to water resources for public recreation purposes are
essential to the maximum beneficial use of water resources for
public recreation purposes.
Added by Acts 1983, 68th Leg., p. 1033, ch. 235, art. 6, § 1(a),
eff. Sept. 1, 1983.
§ 25.002. DEFINITION. In this chapter "district" means
a district or authority created under Article XVI, Section 59, of
the Constitution of Texas.
Added by Acts 1983, 68th Leg., p. 1033, ch. 235, art. 6, § 1(a),
eff. Sept. 1, 1983.
§ 25.003. GENERAL POWERS. (a) Each district shall:
(1) conserve and develop water resources in this state
for public recreation purposes in compliance with the provisions of
Title 2, Water Code; and
(2) acquire and improve for park purposes any lands
adjacent to or in the vicinity of any public water or any other
impounded water available to the public if the governing body of the
district finds that the acquisition or improvement is necessary or
desirable to enhance the beneficial use of such water for public
recreation purposes.
(b) A finding under Subdivision (2) of Subsection (a) of
this section is conclusive.
Added by Acts 1983, 68th Leg., p. 1033, ch. 235, art. 6, § 1(a),
eff. Sept. 1, 1983.
§ 25.004. RULES; FEES; ABANDONMENT OF PROJECTS. A
district may:
(1) adopt and enforce reasonable rules relating to the
use, operation, management, administration, and policing of its
water-related park areas as it considers appropriate;
(2) fix, impose, and collect reasonable fees, tolls,
rents, rates, and charges for entry to and use of water-related park
areas and their facilities as necessary or desirable; and
(3) abandon the use of all or any part of any public
recreation project authorized by this chapter.
Added by Acts 1983, 68th Leg., p. 1033, ch. 235, art. 6, § 1(a),
eff. Sept. 1, 1983.
§ 25.005. LEASES, CONCESSIONS, FRANCHISES, AND
AGREEMENTS. A district may make, grant, accept, and enter into
leases, concessions, franchises, and rental, operating, and other
agreements relating to the water-related park areas or their
facilities that the governing body deems necessary or convenient to
carry out any of the purposes and powers granted in this chapter on
the terms and conditions and for the periods of time as may be
prescribed. The lease, concession, franchise, or agreement may be
entered into with any person.
Added by Acts 1983, 68th Leg., p. 1033, ch. 235, art. 6, § 1(a),
eff. Sept. 1, 1983.
§ 25.006. USE OF OTHER POWERS. (a) Except as provided
by Subsection (b) of this section, to accomplish the purposes of
this chapter, each district has the same powers, authority, rights,
privileges, and modes of procedure as are provided by applicable
law to accomplish any other corporate purpose.
(b) A district may exercise the powers granted by this
chapter without regard to any provision, restriction, or limitation
of any general or special law or specific act and may exercise the
powers granted by this chapter as an alternative to the powers of
all other laws relating to the same subject or combine those powers
in whole or in part. This chapter does not authorize any fee or
charge for boat inspection, fishing, or other activity on the water
of the state or the exercise of the power of eminent domain.
Added by Acts 1983, 68th Leg., p. 1033, ch. 235, art. 6, § 1(a),
eff. Sept. 1, 1983.
