U.S. Rep. Randy Weber (TX-14) has filed legislation that would create a National Recreation Area spanning five counties along the Upper Texas Gulf Coast.<\/p>\n
The proposed Lone Star Coastal National Recreation Area would include<\/a> portions of Jefferson, Chambers, Galveston, Brazoria, and Matagorda counties, according to a news release.<\/p>\n The designation would bring the covered land under the purview of the National Park Service, but private landowners and other stakeholders would keep control of their property, Weber explained. He also said the measure would boost the regional economy through tourism and outdoor recreation.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Texas Gulf Coast is unlike anywhere else in America,\u201d Weber said. \u201cWhether it\u2019s fishing in our bays, watching wildlife along the coast, or simply spending time outdoors with family, generations of Texans have made memories here. The Upper Texas Coast is one of God\u2019s greatest blessings to our state, and we have a responsibility to be good stewards of it.<\/p>\n \u201cThis legislation helps ensure future generations can experience and enjoy everything this special part of Texas has to offer while keeping decisions in the hands of local landowners who know this coast best.\u201d<\/p>\n The bill, H.R. 9325<\/a>, is co-sponsored by three other Texas Republican representatives: Reps. Wesley Hunt, Troy Nehls, and Brian Babin.<\/p>\n \u201cThe great State of Texas is home to one of the country\u2019s most important coastal landscapes,\u201d Nehls said<\/a>. \u201cI\u2019m proud to cosponsor my friend, Congressman Weber\u2019s, legislation to strengthen and expand public access to the Upper Texas Coast for outdoor recreation and tourism on our waterfronts. I will always support enhancing our local economies and recreational resources in our communities.\u201d<\/p>\n