Sec. 1505.115.  COMMISSIONERS OF NAVIGATION DISTRICT.  (a)  A municipality may not construct, maintain, or operate a toll bridge or tunnel over, across, or under 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 or tunnel must be jointly approved by the commissioners and the governing body of the municipality.
(b)  If a toll bridge or tunnel over, across, or under 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 or tunnel in aid of navigation;
(2)  shall exercise direct control over the maintenance and operation of the mechanical facilities of the bridge or tunnel that provide clearance of the channel for vessels to enter or leave the port;  and
(3)  may employ and direct all agencies in the management and operation of those facilities.
(c)  The municipality shall bear the cost of maintaining and operating the facilities described by Subsection (b)(2).
(d)  A municipality may not construct, maintain, or operate a toll bridge over or across, or a tunnel under, an entrance channel to a deepwater port operated by a navigation district except as provided by this section.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 227, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.