Jefferson County could join new Texas coastal recreation area
Portions of Jefferson County could be included in a proposed national recreation area intended to expand recreation, tourism and conservation efforts.
U.S. Rep. Randy Weber, R-Texas, introduced H.R. 9325, the Lone Star Coastal National Recreation Area Act, on June 17. The proposal would designate the area as a unit of the National Park System.
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The proposed recreation area would span portions of Jefferson, Chambers, Galveston, Brazoria and Matagorda counties along the Upper Texas Gulf Coast. The area is home to more than 5 million Texans, as well as some of the nation's most treasured coastal resources and recreation areas, according to a news release.
"The Texas Gulf Coast is unlike anywhere else in America," Weber said. "Whether it's fishing in our bays, watching wildlife along the coast or simply spending time outdoors with family, generations of Texans have made memories here. The Upper Texas Coast is one of God's greatest blessings to our …