CC Resolution No. 979 1748
RESOLUTION NO. 979
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN,
TEXAS, IN OPPOSITION TO PROPOSED LEGISLATION WHICH WOULD
LIMIT THE AUTHORITY OF THE HARRIS-GALVESTON COASTAL
SUBSIDENCE DISTRICT TO REQUIRE CERTAIN CITIES TO CONVERT
TO SURFACE WATER USE; DIRECTING COPIES BE DELIVERED TO
MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATURE; AND PROVIDING FOR THE
EFFECTIVE DATE THEREOF.
WHEREAS, the Harris-Galveston Coastal Subsidence District
was created in 1975 for the purpose of regulating groundwater
withdrawal to end subsidence which contributes to or precipitates
flooding, and has made tremendous progress in ending subsidence
within the District; and
WHEREAS, the City of Baytown has cooperated with the Harris-
Galveston Coastal Subsidence District and supported its efforts
to end subsidence, having spent over $15, 000, 000. 00 to convert to
surface water ; and
WHEREAS, continued regulation of groundwater withdrawal is
required to prevent the reoccurrence of damaging subsidence in
the coastal area of Harris and Galveston Counties and to slow the
rapid rates of subsidence presently occurring in western Harris
County; and
WHEREAS, Senate Bill 909 and House Bill 1704 would prevent
the Board of Directors of the Harris-Galveston Coastal Subsidence
District from issuing "an order requiring any city that is wholly
or partially located within the Boundaries of the District and
that has a population of 20, 000 or less according to the most
recent federal census to completely or partially discontinue the
use of groundwater as a water supply for that city and to convert
to surface water use; " and
WHEREAS, said Bill, while singling out a particular class of
well owner for preferential treatment, fails to recognize the
premise that no one person or well, or groups of persons or
wells, causes subsidence, but results from the cumulative and
total effect of excessive groundwater withdrawal which must be
regulated to end subsidence; and
WHEREAS, provisions are available in existing law, the Rules
of the Subsidence District, and in the 1985 District Plan for
small cities and all other well owners to receive relief from the
regulatory requirements of the Subsidence District due to
economic hardship and an inequitable feasibility of conversion to
surface water ; and
1749
WHEREAS, numerous cities, including the City of Baytown,
industries, and other classes of well owners have borne the
expense of converting to surface water and many other cities,
industries and well owners have committed to comply with the
surface water conversion requirements of the District Plan ; NOW
THEREFORE,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN,
TEXAS :
Section 1: That the City of Baytown is in support of the
efforts of the Harris-Galveston Coastal Subsidence District to
regulate groundwater withdrawal to end subsidence.
Section 2 : The City of Baytown opposes the passage of
Senate Bill 909 and House Bill 1704 which would limit the
existing authority of the Subsidence District by granting
preferential treatment to a class of well owners .
Section 3 : The City Clerk is directed to present a copy of
this resolution to the members of the Legislature of the State of
Texas from the Baytown area, the Subsidence District area, and
such other members as may be deemed appropriate by the
administration.
Section 4: This resolution shall take effect immediately
from and after its passage by the City Council of the City of
Baytown.
INTRODUCED, READ and PASSED by the affirmative vote of the
City Council of the City of Baytown, this the 9th day of April,
1987.
dl�►i�u e
ETT 0. HUTTO, Mayor
ATTEST:
EILEEN P. HALL, City Clerk
4ANDALL B. STRON , City orney
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