Here is the latest from Dale Shively::06:
Scott:
Sorry it has taken so long to respond. I have had staff chasing down some issues and have drafted a position statement for the Program. I will send it out once approved internally. The bottom line is that we as an agency will not be doing any additional specialty plates in the near future because of how the funds are deposited to TPWD and restrictions on how they can be used.
If an artificial reef program (dive theme) plate was brought to the legislature for approval by a private entity and the entity could locate a legislator to author the bill, it is possible to get one approved. A contingency rider would need to be placed on the bill to allow the reef program to accept the funds into our budget and authorization to spend all those funds. Long story, but that is not how things are setup presently.
There will be more information in the position statement. If you do not hear from me by the 15th, please remind me. I will be in a meeting all day Friday and preparing for it this week. As soon as my director ok's the statement, I will send it out.
Regards,
J. Dale Shively