The Texas Coastal Bend is an area of demarcation between ranges of various vegetative species. For example, the California fan palm (Washingtonia filifera) is found only west of the Texas Coastal Bend, or more specifically the Balcones Fault.[3]
Government in the Coastal Bend consists of federal, state, regional, and county representation. These structures of government work together to ensure that the Coastal Bend region's needs are addressed at every level of policy-making.
Federal and State Representation
The U.S. Congress and the Texas Legislature represent the United States and Texas, respectively. The Coastal Bend is in both federal and state jurisdiction and, therefore, is represented by them.[11][12]
The Texas Legislature meets every two years, only in odd-numbered years for up to 140 days. It is a bicameral chamber consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives. [12]
The Senate is the upper chamber of the Legislature, consisting of 31 members, each serving four-year terms. Every member represents a specific geographical area. The Lieutenant Governor is elected by the people and presides over the Senate.[12]
The Texas House of Representatives consists of 150 members, each representing a smaller district than the Senate. The House of Representatives is the lower chamber of the Legislature, and members are up for election more frequently than those in the Senate, each serving two-year terms. The Speaker of the House is elected by the members of the House of Representatives and presides over them.[12]
Regional Representation
Established in 1966, the primary administration for the 11-county Coastal Bend region is the Coastal Bend Council of Governments. The Coastal Bend's government is a voluntary association of local authorities that coordinate with each other on regional issues such as emergency management, transportation, and economic development. While they do not have taxing authority or police powers, they are governed by a Board of Directors, each one from every designated county. They are specifically responsible for several regional programs that include 911 emergency systems, homeland security, economic/community development, and providing services for senior citizens and people with disabilities.[15]
Roy L. Lehman, Ruth O'Brien, Tammy White. 2005. Plants of the Texas Coastal Bend, Texas A&M University Press, 352 pages ISBN1-58544-408-1, ISBN978-1-58544-408-3
