In an effort to expand the development of hike and bike trails throughout Texas and especially in urban areas, State Representative Jim Murphy has filed House Bill 1943. This bill encourages (but does not require) local governments and local utilities to work together to develop trails along utility corridors. Specifically, it protects the utilities from additional liability resulting from their allowing recreational use of the property. In addition to our bayou corridors, there is a real need to provide long stretches of off-street multi-use trails via our many utility corridors. Not only does this bill allow us to address this challenge, it also lowers the cost of the trails themselves.
We would like to respectfully request your support of this bill. You can demonstrate your organization’s support of HB 1943 by submitting a letter on your organization’s letterhead to the following address:
The Honorable Jim Murphy
P.O. Box 2910
Austin, Texas 78768
You can also submit your letter via email to Molly Quirk at Molly.Quirk@house.state.tx.us.
This bill is the result of several years of work with Centerpoint. They are not looking to charge rent or fees to use their land, they simply want to ensure that their civic support does not create new problems. The bill text is available here HB 1943.
In addition to your support, please forward this information to your organization members.
Please send your letter and/or email by Tuesday, March 22, 2011 by 5:00 PM and ask that your peers join us in this effort. If you have any questions, or need more information, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
Irma H. Sanchez
Vice President of Projects
Westchase District
713.780.9434
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