League City Mayor Nick Long is backing federal legislation that would fold parts of Galveston County into a new 168-mile national recreation area along the upper Texas coast.

Sen. John Cornyn and Rep. Randy Weber introduced the Lone Star Coastal National Recreation Area Act on Thursday, Oct. 1. The bill, numbered S.5677, would create a new unit of the National Park System stretching across Jefferson, Chambers, Galveston, Brazoria and Matagorda counties, according to Cornyn's Senate office.

Long is one of four local government leaders listed as endorsers. The others are Matagorda County Judge Bobby Seiferman, Jefferson County Judge Jeff Branick and Chambers County Judge Jimmy Sylvia.

For League City residents who live minutes from Galveston Bay, the designation could eventually steer federal dollars toward storm resilience, wetland conservation and recreational access. The bill authorizes Congress to appropriate funding but does not set a dollar amount. Future appropriations would be needed.

The recreation area would not operate like a traditional national park. Instead, a Lone Star Coastal Partnership would coordinate participation among the federal government, Texas, local governments, private landowners and other organizations, according to the Galveston County Daily News. State and local governments would keep their civil, criminal, regulatory and taxation authority, along with control over fish and wildlife.

Cornyn's office said the upper Texas coast region covered by the bill produces about 80% of the nation's military-grade fuel. The region also accounts for roughly 60% of the country's aviation fuel and 30% of its gasoline, according to the senator's office.

Cornyn said in a statement that the Texas Gulf Coast is increasingly vulnerable to flooding, hurricanes and shoreline erosion. He said the legislation would strengthen coastal resilience and protect the state's natural resources for future generations.

Weber said in a statement that the bill would help more families enjoy the coast and bring visitors to local businesses while protecting private property rights and keeping decisions in local hands.

Supporters of the designation say it could protect wetlands and coastal systems that serve as natural buffers against flooding and storm surge, the Galveston County Daily News reported. Those systems also support fisheries, wildlife habitat and water quality.

Weber is leading companion legislation in the House with cosponsors including Reps. Brian Babin, Lizzie Fletcher, Wesley Hunt, Troy Nehls and Beth Van Duyne. Organizational endorsers include the Greater Houston Partnership, the National Parks Conservation Association, Ducks Unlimited and the Trust for Public Land.

The bill's status on Congress.gov is listed as introduced. No committee hearing has been scheduled.