Which of the following entities is responsible for precise horizontal and vertical control surveys in Texas?

The United States Coast and Geodetic Survey, now part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, plays a critical role in establishing and maintaining the geodetic control network in the U.S., which includes Texas. This agency is responsible for precise horizontal and vertical control surveys, which are essential for mapping, navigation, and many engineering projects. These surveys provide the foundational data that surveyors and engineers rely on for accurate positioning and measurements on the Earth's surface.

Precise horizontal and vertical control is fundamental for various applications, such as land surveying, construction, and environmental monitoring. The agency's historical commitment to geodetic data collection and the development of standards has made it a key authority in providing accurate control points that are used across the country, which is why it is the correct answer in this context.