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Cornyn Introduces Lone Star Coastal National Recreation Area Act for Texas Coast
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Key points
- Senator John Cornyn introduced S. 5677 to establish a 168-mile recreation area along the Texas Gulf Coast.
- The proposed National Park System unit relies on voluntary partnerships without federal land mandates.
- Companion legislation H.R. 9325 in the House received bipartisan backing from Texas representatives.
NewsWK — U.S. officials are considering a new federal framework to support conservation and tourism along the shoreline. Senator John Cornyn introduced Senate Bill 5677 around late September 2026. The proposed measure establishes a 168-mile unit of the National Park System spanning five Texas counties.
How does the Texas Gulf Coast national park bill impact local communities?
The proposed legislation creates a voluntary partnership framework to bolster local economies while preserving natural coastal assets. Federal officials will coordinate directly with state, local, and private partners. Therefore, participation remains strictly voluntary. The initiative aims to expand outdoor recreation and heritage tourism across Jefferson, Chambers, Galveston, Brazoria, and Matagorda counties.
Meanwhile, several area leaders have formally endorsed the legislation. Confirmed local backers include:
- League City Mayor Nick Long
- Matagorda County Judge Bobby Seiferman
- Jefferson County Judge Jeff Branick
- Chambers County Judge Jimmy Sylvia
What background surrounds this proposed Texas coastal recreation area?
Federal lawmakers introduced matching companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives under H.R. 9325. Representative Randy Weber leads the House effort alongside a group of Texas lawmakers. Consequently, the measure seeks to balance conservation goals with local economic development along the Upper and Middle Texas Gulf Coast.
Who is sponsoring the Lone Star Coastal National Recreation Area in Congress?
Senator John Cornyn introduced S. 5677 in the Senate. Meanwhile, Representative Randy Weber authored H.R. 9325 in the House. House co-sponsors include Representatives Brian Babin, Lizzie Fletcher, Wesley Hunt, Troy Nehls, Beth Van Duyne, and Jake Ellzey. Together, these lawmakers designed the bill to conserve resources and strengthen rural coastal economies.
This article was produced with the assistance of AI and reviewed by our editorial team.
Sources
Related: Deputies Make Gulf Breeze Animal Cruelty Arrest Involving Two Santa Rosa Residents
Related: Senate Passes National Park System Long-Term Lease Investment Act to Support Park Operators
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