Sec. 1505.076.  COMMISSIONERS OF NAVIGATION DISTRICT.  (a)  A municipality may not construct, maintain, or operate a bridge over or across an entrance channel to a deepwater port operated by a navigation district without a permit issued by the commissioners of the district.  Plans and specifications for the bridge must be jointly approved by the commissioners and the governing body of the municipality.
(b)  If a bridge over or across the entrance channel to the port is constructed, maintained, or operated under this subchapter, the commissioners of the navigation district:
(1)  may prescribe reasonable rules for the operation of the bridge in aid of navigation;
(2)  shall exercise direct control over the maintenance and operation of the mechanical facilities of the bridge that provide clearance of the channel for vessels to enter or leave the port;
(3)  may employ and direct all agencies in the management and operation of those facilities;  and
(4)  may appropriate and use any available revenue of the district to defray the cost of maintaining or operating the bridge.
(c)  A municipality may not construct, maintain, or operate a bridge over or across an entrance channel to a deepwater port operated by a navigation district except as provided by this section.
(d)  This section does not apply after land or a facility mortgaged by a municipality is sold on foreclosure.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 227, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.