Sec. 16.143.  OPTION TO LEASE.  (a)  A former owner of real property used for agricultural purposes that was acquired, voluntarily or through the exercise of the power of eminent domain, for a reservoir whose site has been designated as unique for the construction of a reservoir under Section 16.051(g) is entitled to lease the property from the person who acquired the property under terms that allow the former owner to continue to use the property for agricultural purposes until the person who acquired the property determines that such use must be terminated to allow for the physical construction of the reservoir.  Consistent with Subsection (b), the lease is subject to the terms and conditions set forth by the person who has acquired the property that are related to the use of the property by the former owner, including the term of the lease, the rent the former owner is required to pay under the lease, and the uses that may be allowed on the property during the term of the lease.
(b)  A former owner of real property used for agricultural purposes is entitled to lease the property for the property's agricultural rental value until the person who acquired the property determines that the lease must be terminated to allow for the physical construction of the reservoir.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1430 (S.B. 3), Sec. 3.02, eff. September 1, 2007.