THE TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE ORGINATED THE CEPRA AND GOMESA PROGRAMS TO ADDRESS DECLINING COLONIAL WATERBIRD POPULATIONS AND DISAPPEARING ROOKERY ISLANDS IN NUECES BAY AND THROUGHOUT THE COASTAL BEND. COASTAL BEND BAYS AND ESTUARIES PROGRAMS USED THESE APPROVED FUNDS TO SUCCESSFULLY IMPLEMENT AND PUT INTO ACTION THE ROOKERY ISLAND SHORELINE PROTECTION PLAN AND THE RESTORING COLONIAL WATERBIRD POPULATIONS ALONG THE TEXAS COAST.