(a) The executive director of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department shall interpret and implement this section so as to recognize and protect the heritage of the State of Texas through the acquisition, development and operation of historic sites and structures of particular statewide significance in accord with the guidelines set forth herein. (b) The commission recognizes that historic sites and structures are being irretrievably lost through neglect, ill-advised restoration, and nearsighted economic considerations; and that with the disappearance of these sites, valuable reminders of the rich and varied heritage of Texas and the nation are lost. (c) Although the commission recognizes that certain historic sites have been and will continue to be authorized by specific statutes, this section is directed toward the implementation of §13.005, Texas Parks and Wildlife Code, which designated the Parks and Wildlife Department as a state agency responsible for acquisition and administration of state historic sites, buildings and structures. (d) In an effort to interrelate the multiple aspects of the patrimony of the state through its historic sites, the commission will endeavor to acquire, develop and operate sites according to major chronological divisions and thematic subtopics. An imaginative, in-depth action program, tailored to individual historical and interpretive requirements, will be formulated for each site prior to the actual development of the site, with periodic updates appropriate to each operational site. (e) Commission policy set forth in this section will be followed by the department in recommendations for acquisition, development, and operation of state historic sites and structures.

Source Note: The provisions of this §59.41 adopted to be effective January 2, 1997, 21 TexReg 12420; amended to be effective August 10, 2009, 34 TexReg 5394