I am thrilled to share with you the exciting news that the legislation I authored to preserve Fairfield Lake State Park in Freestone County has passed unanimously in the Texas House of Representatives. This is a huge victory for our community and for the protection of this beloved State Park, which welcomes 80,000 visitors a year and is a point of pride for our county.



As you may remember, the State of Texas has invested $70 million in the preservation and operation of this beautiful natural resource. With the passage of House Bill 4757, Texas Parks and Wildlife now has the power and authority to ensure that this state park will continue to be preserved for generations to come.



I want to give a special shout out to Chairman Cody Harris, Chairman Trent Ashby, Chairman Greg Bonnen and Chairman Dustin Borrows who all joined me in authoring this legislation and helped to build the momentum we needed to get it passed. Thank you to all who supported this effort and worked tirelessly to make it a reality!



With this passage, our bill now heads over to the Texas Senate and then on to the Governor’s desk for his signature!



I will continue to keep you updated on the progress of this legislation and its journey through the Texas Legislature. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me if you have any questions or concerns.



Thank you for your dedication to preserving our community's treasures.



Sincerely,



Angelia Orr

Conservative State Representative

I just got the email as well but I will believe when the bill gets signed, Vistra gets their payment and the developer gets his piece too.

But I take it as very good news.

Great news. Definitely a step in the right direction but don't count your chickens before the eggs hatch.

But lord I hope Texas comes to their senses and realize all OUR taxpayer money has been taking care of and stocking that lake.

Where will they get the 110 million to buy the land from Todd Interest?

By: Orr H.B. No. 4757



A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT
relating to the preservation of Fairfield Lake State Park.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter Q, Chapter 22, Parks and Wildlife
Code, is amended by adding Section 22.230 to read as follows:
SUBCHAPTER Q: FAIRFIELD LAKE STATE PARK
Sec. 22.230. PRESERVATION OF FAIRFIELD LAKE STATE PARK.
(a) The legislature finds that:
(1) in the year of the centennial celebration of Texas
State Parks, the state has a vested interest in preserving and
protecting state parks operated by Parks and Wildlife Department;
(2) Fairfield Lake is one of the premier recreational
lakes in the state.
(b) Any application for a permit amendment pertaining to Big
Brown Creek and/or Fairfield Lake, in the Trinity River Basin of
Freestone County shall also require Texas Parks and Wildlife
Commission approval.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2023.

They've already got it, laws were changed not long ago on allocation and access to sporting goods tax funds that can be used by TPWD.

Am I correct in assuming that if the State Park remains open, so do the ramps and lake access by boat?

I think it's not saved as it has to pass the senate and the governor sign.... plus I would expect some court action etc.....

The Governor has said he will sign so passing the senate should easy. The only way I will believe it is until all the I's are dotted and the T's are crossed.

Why can't we get some help with Monticello? Make it part of Bob Sandlin State Park. Happy for the Fairfield folks...

It was never a state park and isn't relevant to the state park.


It was controlled by Titus county, maybe they can do something to reopen it.

Sad thing is Monty is such an easier problem to solve. Hell when it was on the honor system that box was always stuffed full on envelopes. If they needed the money why not just empty the damn box.

Don't worry Biden's 30 by 30 executive order will come to the rescue. Problem is they are going to try to take ur privately owned property also. We are already starting the fight here in Oklahoma with the Chisolm trail and surrounding land. It went unnoticed till they just began funding it with $2 billion hid in another bill. It's for equity, diversity and climate change they say! Oh and they also get all water and minerals rights when they name it as federally protected. They say they want to protect 30% of the property in the US by 2030 that's why it's called the 30 by 30 order.

I’m confused, so y’all are in favor of stealing someone’s property under eminent domain? So y’all can fish?

Guess what’s next.