Sec. 13.005. ACQUISITION OF HISTORICAL SITES. (a) The department may acquire by purchase, gift, or other manner historical sites:

(1) where events occurred that represent an important aspect of the cultural, political, economic, military, or social history of the nation or state;

(2) significantly associated with the lives of outstanding historic persons or with an important event that represents a great ideal or idea;

(3) embodying the distinguishing characteristics of an architectural type which is inherently valuable for study of a period, style, or method of construction;

(4) that contributes significantly to the understanding of aboriginal man in the nation or state; or

(5) that is of significant geologic interest relating to prehistoric animal or plant life.

(b) The department shall restore and maintain each historical site acquired under this section for the benefit of the general public. The department may enter into interagency contracts for this purpose.

(c) The department shall formulate plans for the preservation and development of historical sites. Before formulating a plan for a specific site, the department shall conduct an archeological survey of the site. In formulating plans, the department shall:

(1) consider the results from the archeological survey for the site if the plan is for a specific site;

(2) consider the resources necessary to manage a site; and

(3) meet with and consider comments made by the Texas Historical Commission.

(d) The department and the Texas Historical Commission shall form a joint panel to establish criteria for determining whether a site is of statewide significance under Subsection (a) and to promote the continuity of a historic sites program.

Acts 1975, 64th Leg., p. 1405, ch. 545, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1975. Amended by Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 267, art. 1, Sec. 38, eff. Sept. 1, 1985; Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 968, Sec. 34, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.