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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 C: 1: 18: 8