This section lets the commission and certain local governments require boat pump-out stations, and lets local governments finance and charge fees for them.
Sec. 26.045. PUMP-OUT FACILITIES FOR BOAT SEWAGE. (a) In this section "boat," "boat pump-out station," "shoreside, mobile, or floating installation," and "surface water in the state" have the meanings assigned by Section 26.044. (b) After a public hearing and after making every reasonable effort to bring about the establishment of an adequate number of boat pump-out stations on surface water in the state, the commission may enter an order requiring the establishment of boat pump-out stations by a local government that has any jurisdiction over at least a portion of the surface water in the state or over land immediately adjacent to the water. (c) If a local government is authorized to issue authorization for the operation of shoreside, mobile, or floating installations, the local government may require the installation and operation of boat pump-out stations where necessary. The local government shall require the installation and operation of boat pump-out stations if required by the commission. (d) A local government responsible for establishing boat pump-out stations may issue bonds or may use general revenue funds from normal operations to finance the construction and operation of the pump-out facilities. Pump-out stations established as a result of this section will be self-sustaining with respect to costs and revenues collected from users of said facilities, and local governments are authorized to levy reasonable, appropriate charges or fees to recover cost of installation and operation of the pump-out stations. Nothing in this section is to be construed to require any local government to rebate to the State of Texas funds collected pursuant to this program. (e) The hearings required by this section and other acts of the commission in carrying out the provisions of this section shall be handled as provided in the rules of the commission. Amended by Acts 1977, 65th Leg., p. 2207, ch. 870, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1977; Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 795, Sec. 1.090, eff. Sept. 1, 1985. Amended by: Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 579 (S.B. 2445), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2009.