This section establishes the coastal protection fund, lets the commissioner use it for specified purposes, and caps the fund at $50 million.
Sec. 40.151. COASTAL PROTECTION FUND. (a) The purpose of this subchapter is to provide immediately available funds for response to all unauthorized discharges, for cleanup of pollution from unauthorized discharges of oil, for payment of damages from unauthorized discharges of oil, and for erosion response projects. (b) The coastal protection fund is established in the state treasury to be used by the commissioner as a nonlapsing revolving fund only for carrying out the purposes of this chapter and of Subchapter H, Chapter 33. To this fund shall be credited all fees, penalties, judgments, reimbursements, proceeds from the sale of a vessel or structure removed under Section 40.108, money forfeited under Section 77.119(e), Parks and Wildlife Code, interest or income on the fund, and charges provided for in this chapter and the fee revenues levied, collected, and credited pursuant to this chapter. The fund shall not exceed $50 million. (c) The commissioner may accept grants, gifts, and donations of property, including real property, on behalf of the fund. The commissioner may sell real or personal property accepted on behalf of the fund and shall deposit the proceeds of the sale in the fund. (d) Any interest in real or personal property acquired by donation, gift, or grant or by using money in the fund shall be held by the commissioner. (e) Repealed by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 146, Sec. 16, eff. Sept. 1, 2003. Added by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 10, Sec. 1, eff. March 28, 1991. Amended by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., 1st C.S., ch. 3, Sec. 1.055, eff. Aug. 12, 1991; Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 1058, Sec. 14(a), eff. Aug. 28, 1995; Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 508, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 1999; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 146, Secs. 11, 16, eff. Sept. 1, 2003. Amended by: Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 216 (H.B. 2096), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2005.