State of Texas v. State of Louisiana

Background

The States of Texas and Louisiana disputed their boundary along the Sabine River and seaward to the Gulf of Mexico. The Court issued an opinion on June 14, 1976, and this decree implements that opinion. The decree traces the river boundary using United States Geological Survey maps and exact geographic coordinates, follows the federal line along the Sabine River, and identifies places where the boundary follows old river oxbows. It also describes the line through Middle Pass, Sabine Lake, Sabine Pass, and to the seaward end of the jetties.

Reasoning

To give effect to the prior opinion, the Court fixed a precise, map-based boundary. It extended the river line to the midpoint between the gulfward jetties, defined straight segments through Middle Pass, Sabine Lake, and Sabine Pass to the jetties, and set an offshore bearing of South 13°44'45.8" east true to Louisiana’s seaward limit. The decree relies on USGS quadrangle maps signed by state surveyors in 1974, certifies Exhibits 1–14 as official maps, and orders them filed with each State land office. It also rules on island titles: the United States and Louisiana do not hold title to islands in the west half, and the United States and Texas do not hold title in the east half. The decree allocates costs, requires return of unexpended funds, and ends the Special Master’s duties once tasks are complete.

Real world impact

State officials receive an authoritative boundary line and certified maps to guide land, coastal, and resource administration in the Sabine River area. The ruling clarifies which state controls particular river islands and fixes the offshore line that will affect coastal rights and resource claims. Officials must deposit certified maps with the Louisiana Register of the State Land Office and the Texas Commissioner of the General Land Office, and financial contributions to the Special Master are settled.