181 



edge and existing capabilities. On the other hand, there are tasl<s that must wait 

 for information resulting from research and for the development of scientilic and 

 political methods needed. 



Planning Effort 



To ascertain the economic, cultural, and recreational contributions of the 

 coastal region of Texas under various levels and types of managompnt, the Plan is 

 mandatory. It is required for the formulation of legislation dcteniiining the 

 priority of State governmental programs and p'rojects to be conducted to 

 attain the desirable goals of coastal development and to correct present or over- 

 lapping coastal problems. 



The preliminary planning effort began on March 4, 1960, by the means of a 

 $10,500 interagency contract between the Interagency Natural Resources Council 

 and the Sea Grant Program of Texas A & M University. The scope of this effort 

 is to compile an annotated bibliography of prior studies, studies currently funded, 

 and proposed research reports and action programs by federal, state, and local 

 governments and by institutions, entities, and industry within the coastal region. 

 This planning area includes the Texas bays, estuaries, beaches, associated and 

 adjacent counties, and the submerged tidelands out to the lO^/^ mile State 

 boundary as mentioned. 



Again, the ultimate success of the Coastal Resources Plan clearly depends 

 upon the effective cooperation of the many federal. State, and local agencies and 

 regional planning councils involved. This effective interagency and intergovern- 

 mental cooperation depends on a positive plan of action and the full utilization 

 of the many disciplines available. 



The experience and methodology developed from the Galveston Bay Study will 

 be one of the important sources of information utilized by the Plan. In addition, 

 a flexible staff organization, as indicated, will bring the managerial and tech- 

 nical competence and the political and financial realities together into a purpose- 

 ful, integrated, and truly cooperative planning program. 



Task Activities 



Starting on September 1, 1969, and during the following 12 months, the Plan 

 will begin to outline the planning tasks to be accomplished and to determine the 

 methodology to be used in attaining its policy goals and guidelines. Specifically, 

 the planning effort has the following general objectives for this period. These are 

 the— 



(1) Definition of the boundaries of the study area, and the scope, magni- 

 tude, duration, and cost of the program. 



(2) Indentification and definition of specific planning parameters and 

 guidelines. 



(3) Preparation of detailed task descriptions suitable to provide the 

 basis of contracts and interagency agreements with State agencies and 

 universities, local and federal governmental units, private enterprises, 

 citizens organizations, regional planning councils, and other cooperators. 



(4) Development of a critical path schedule with appropriate target 

 dates for the significant work phases, definition of lines of authority, and 

 detailed schedule of these cooperative task performances. 



(5) Analysis of existing data, research activities, and programs now in 

 progress, incorporating the activities into the comprehensive planning effort 

 with full regard to the statutory responsibilities, traditional interests, and 

 potential capabilities of the agencies and organizations involved. 



(6) Definition of areas of data deficiency and research needs. 



(7) Development of a complete funding and staflSng plan, including sources 

 and timing of funding needs and recruitment and training of planning 

 personnel. 



The progress made in the development of the Coastal Resources Plan will be 

 reported by the Interagency Natural Resources Council to the Texas Legislature 

 through the Governor. Should need for revision, change in emphasis, or supple- 

 mental activity become evident during the preparation of the comprehensive 

 Plan in these existing programs, the Council will make recommendations for 

 such action. 



