Congressman Randy Weber (R) introduced legislation to establish the Lone Star Coastal National Recreation Area along the Upper Texas Gulf Coast, aiming to expand outdoor recreation, support conservation, strengthen coastal resilience, and preserve the region's natural and cultural resources while maintaining local control.
What would the legislation do?
Rep. Weber introduced the Lone Star Coastal National Recreation Area Act (H.R. 9325), which would establish a new national recreation area spanning portions of Jefferson, Chambers, Galveston, Brazoria, and Matagorda counties along the Upper Texas Gulf Coast.
The proposed recreation area is designed to increase public access to outdoor recreation while supporting conservation efforts and promoting economic development tied to tourism and the region's coastal heritage.
What are the goals of the proposal?
If approved, the legislation would:
- Establish the Lone Star Coastal National Recreation Area.
- Expand outdoor recreation and public access opportunites.
- Support conservation and coastal resilience.
- Promote tourism and heritage-based economic development.
- Encourage coordination among local governments, landowners, conservation organizations, and regional partners.
- Maintain local control and respect private property rights.
The recreation area would serve a region that is home to more than five million Texans and includes some of the nation's most significant coastal habitats and recreational destinations.
What Weber and Other Texas Leaders Are saying
Rep. Randy Weber: "The Texas Gulf Coast is unlike anywhere else in America."
Rep. Weber continued: "This 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."
Several members of the Texas congressional delegation joined Weber in supporting the legislaiton.
Rep. Wesley Hunt: "Legislation like this secures Texas's position as the leading state in national economic development."
Rep. Troy Nehls: "I'm proud to cosponsor my friend, Congressman Weber's, legislation to strengthen and expand public access to the Upper Texas Coast for outdoor recreation and tourism on our waterfronts."
The Bottom Line
The Lone Star Coastal National Recreation Area Act would establish a new recreation area across five Upper Texas Gulf Coast counties while expanding outdoor recreation, promoting conservation, supporting tourism, and preserving local control over land management.
