The right of Texans to maintain access to the Texas coastline was preserved when U.S. District Judge Kenneth Hoyt on Wednesday dismissed a lawsuit filed by California attorney who purchased three Galveston Island homes in 2005. The houses were built on private property the state now considers public beaches, because of the encroaching coastline.
Under the Texas Open Beaches Act, state officials have sought to move or demolish buildings to ensure public access to the beaches. “This comes as no surprise,” Texas Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson said in a statement issued by the state General Land Office. “The law is clear: Texas beaches belong to Texans — all Texans.” R