This program recognizes that citizens throughout the community and state enjoy the benefits of beach access. The beaches bordering the Gulf of Mexico are a beautiful resource enjoyed by millions of Texans and visitors. Part of the fascination that causes us to return again and again to the beach is the dynamic interplay of wind, water and sand where they meet at the edge of the continent. Managing this dynamic environment is difficult at best, but is made necessary by the number of people who seek to share in the resource. The Texas General Land Office (GLO) and local governments share in this management responsibility in our state.

The Open Beaches Act, provides that wherever the public has an easement over private beachfront property, the local government, has the duty and responsibility to clean the public beach. Within a city, it is the duty of the city government to clean the beach. Outside the cities, it is the duty of the county. Park land is to be cleaned by the jurisdiction running the park. The local communities are assisted financially by the State through the Beach Maintenance Fund Reimbursement Program.

Rules and Statutes:

• Open Beaches Act
  go to Natural Resources Code on Texas Legislature Online
• Beach Maintenance Reimbursement Rules
• Beach User Fee Rules

Reporting Forms:

• FY 2007 Beach Maintenance Reimbursement Form
  Word, PDF

• FY 2007 Beach User Fee Reporting Form
  Word, PDF

• FY 2007 Application for State Assistance in Cleaning and Maintaining Public Beaches
  PDF

• FY 2007 Application Checklist and Description
  PDF

• FY 2007 Equipment and Specifications List
  PDF

• FY 2006 Beach Maintenance Reimbursement Form
  Word, PDF

• FY 2006 Beach User Fee Reporting Form
  Word, PDF

For more information, please contact Conrad Swan, Program Assistant, at 1-800-998-4GLO, (512) 463-2935 or Sharon Mooney, Auditor, at (512) 475-2524.

Last updated on 21 November 2006.