Texas Water Code - WATER § 11.097. Removal of Obstructions from Navigable Streams

(a) On its own motion or on written request from a commissioners court, the commission shall investigate a reported natural obstruction in a navigable stream caused by the accumulation of limbs, logs, leaves, other tree parts, or other debris.  If making the investigation on request of a commissioners court, the commission must make its investigation not later than the 30th day after the date on which it receives the written request from the commissioners court.

(b) On completion of the investigation, if the commission determines that the obstruction is creating a hazard or is having other detrimental effect on the navigable stream, the commission shall initiate action to remove the obstruction.

(c) In removing an obstruction, the commission may solicit the assistance of federal and state agencies including the Corps of Engineers, Texas National Guard, the Parks and Wildlife Department, and districts and authorities created under Article III, Sections 52(b)(1) and (2), or Article XVI, Section 59, of the Texas Constitution.  Also, the commission may enter into contracts for services required to remove an obstruction.  However, no river authority may require the removal, relocation, or reconfiguration of a floating structure which was in place before the effective date of this Act and the effective date of any ordinance, rule, resolution, or other act of the river authority mandating such action unless the commission determines the structure is an obstruction to navigation.