Texas Water Code - WATER § 5.603. Finding of Benefit and Public Purpose

The state recognizes the importance of implementing estuary management plans by protecting and improving water quality and restoring estuarine habitat that makes the bays and estuaries productive, protecting the economies of those areas, and continuing the involvement of the public and the many interests who use and appreciate the estuarine resources of Texas.  State and local government participation in estuary programs to protect natural resources serves a public use and benefit.  The state and the implementing agencies recognize the prerogatives of local governments and the sanctity of private property rights.  No action by an estuary program is intended to usurp the authority of any local government.  A local government's participation in or withdrawal from an estuary program is at the sole discretion of the local government and is subject only to the local government's obligation to complete any financial commitment it has made.