Bill Caption

Relating to the creation of the Cameron County Flood Control District; granting a limited power of eminent domain; providing authority to impose assessments, fees, and taxes and to issue bonds.

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

Bill Analysis

HB 4726 would create the Cameron County Flood Control District. This special purpose district would be created for the purposes of constructing and maintaining "levees and other improvements on, along, and contiguous to rivers, creeks, streams, and drainage courses for the purposes of: (1) reclaiming land from overflow from that water; (2) controlling and distributing the water of rivers and streams by straightening and improving the rivers and streams; (3) draining and improving the land; and (4) preventing the pollution of the water."

The bill prescribes the makeup of the Board of Directors, provides for an Executive Director to act on behalf of the board, requires an office within the district and allows an additional office outside of the district, and establishes the powers and duties of the district. 

The district would have the power of eminent domain (with some exceptions) and the power to levy a maintenance tax if authorized by the district.

Vote Recommendation Notes

Texas Action opposes the creation of this new special purpose district which is out of alignment with limited government by creating a new unit of government with tax and eminent domain authority. We oppose HB 4726.