BEAUMONT, Texas — Southeast Texas coastal areas could soon join Grand Canyon or Yosemite on the National Park Registry.
New legislation could put these areas on the registry, which could bring millions into the local economy.
Jefferson County is working to be designated as a coastal national recreation area. The Lone Star Coastal Alliance say this will promote Southeast Texas on a national level.
The Lone Star Coastal National Recreation Area Designation could bring $140 million into the local economy because they plan to get tourists spending money at restaurants and concessions.
"Came down to see the birds. The birds are migrating through. Just kind of been fascinated with birds so it seemed like a great place to come," said Neil Peterson, a birdwatcher from Minnesota.
Peterson traveled all the way from Minnesota to go bird watching at Cattail Marsh. He's impressed by the boardwalk.
"This is a very cool place. Where they built a catwalk, boardwalk you can walk out into the middle and watch all the birds. instead of just trying to skirt around the outside," he said.
If Jefferson County becomes a coastal national recreation area, visitor facilities will continue to improve.
"And through the construction of that built environment. Bird blinds, kayak launches, raised boardwalks. That people will go out into the community environment. They'll enjoy it, and then they'll treasure the Texas coast even more," said Executive Director of Lone Star Coastal Alliance Kelly Deschaun.
The designation will put Southeast Texas on the map.
"It would allow us to be put on the national parks list of areas that they would advertise for us, and we would have the opportunity to have visitors come in from all over the world," said Jefferson County Judge Jeff Branick.
Being on the registry brings money in that will go to preserving the wetlands. Further south at High Island, the same designation could open up tourism run by landowners.
"And hopefully to incentivize those who own private land to start concessions like air boat rides, and kayak rentals, and things that will allow them to make a productive use of their land," Judge Branick said.
Legislation is still being drawn up to make this designation happen.
A similar designation at the Waco mammoth site saw a jump in revenue by 76%.
Judge Branick says Congressman Randy Weber is pushing through this legislation. It could take up to a year to be passed.