Tex. Water Code § 55.245: CONTRACTS FOR TOLL BRIDGES AND FERRY SERVICES.

(a) The board has the exclusive right to enter into a contract with any responsible person to construct and operate toll bridges over water regulated by the district or to provide ferry service or other means of passenger transportation on water regulated by the district.

(b) A contract for construction and operation of a toll bridge may not extend for a period of more than 20 years and a contract providing for ferry service or other types of transportation may not extend for a period of more than 10 years.

(c) The contract may provide for forfeiture of the franchise or rights granted for failure of the licensee or other contracting party to render adequate and safe public service.

Acts 1971, 62nd Leg., p. 449, ch. 58, Sec. 1, eff. Aug. 30, 1971.