This Chapter sets forth the policy of the state of Texas legislature to provide for the conservation of soil and related resources of the state and for the control and prevention of soil erosion, and thereby to preserve natural resources, control floods, prevent impairment of dams and reservoirs, assist in maintaining the navigability of rivers and harbors, preserve wildlife, protect the tax base, protect public lands, and protect and promote the health, safety, and general welfare of the people of this state. The Chapter is composed of the following subchapters: Subchapter A- General Provisions providing information on elections to be held under this chapter; subchapter B- State Soil and Water Conservation Board as the state agency responsible for implementing the constitutional provisions and state laws relating to the conservation and protection of soil resources. The subchapter lays down provisions on the Board composition, terms of office, members’ removal and election, officers and employees that might be employed by the Board, internal rules of procedure, general powers and duties, funds management , negotiated rulemaking and alternative dispute resolution; subchapter C- Creation, Boundary Changes, And Dissolution Of Soil laying down rules on the organization of a soil and water conservation district as petitioned by the eligible voters of any territory; state board determination of administrative practicability and feasibility; establishment of district subdivisions and appointment of initial directors in case when the operation of the conservation district is determined administratively practicable and feasible; application for certificate of organization; issuance of certificate, change in conservation district or subdivision boundaries as petitioned by eligible voters; dissolution of conservation district by majority vote of the eligible voters; and effects of dissolution; subchapter D- Soil and Water Conservation District Administration laying down rules on composition of board of directors, elections of directors and their qualifications, terms of office and rules on vacancies and removal, and internal rules of operation; subchapter E- General Powers And Duties Of Soil And Water Conservation Districts including corporate powers, adoption of preventive and control measures, establishing cooperation and agreements with other entities, the right to acquisition, administration, and sale of real or personal property or materials and equipment, construction and maintenance of structures, development of conservation plans and information, assumption of government projects and acceptance of government grants; subchapter F- Land-Use Regulation providing rules regarding voter-proposed ordinances governing the use of land within the conservation district in the interest of conserving soil and soil resources and preventing and controlling soil erosion; subchapter G- Powers And Duties of Other Governmental Subdivisions including use of county machinery and equipment and contracts for flood control and drainage; Subchapter H- Technical Assistance Program for Soil and Water Conservation Land Improvement Measures created and administered by the State Soil and Water Conservation Board; and Subchapter I- Cost-Share Assistance Program For Soil And Water Conservation Land Improvement Measures administered by the state board to provide cost-share assistance to landowners or operators for the installation of soil and water conservation land improvement measures consistent with the purpose of controlling erosion, conserving water, or protecting water quality.
United States of America · 1981-09-01