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Senate Bill 433 |
Senate Author: Wentworth |
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Effective: Vetoed |
House Sponsor: Casteel |
Senate Bill 433 amends the Transportation Code to authorize the creation of airport districts by the state, counties, and municipalities, through independent or joint action, for the purpose of acquiring and improving airports and related facilities. The bill provides for the districts' creation and expansion, board of directors and administration, powers and duties, financing, bond authority, and withdrawal or dissolution.
Reason Given for Veto: "Senate Bill No. 433 would give private citizens broad powers of a public authority with little public accountability. The airport districts allowed in this bill would have the power to condemn public and private property, the ability to sell bonds without the approval of the Attorney General, exempt them from municipal zoning laws, and place no requirements for competitive bidding.
"Under current law, cities have sufficient statutory authority to build and operate airports and have no need for special airport districts. Counties interested in operating an airport have the ability to apply to the Texas Department of Transportation for the formation of a Regional Mobility Authority. Knowing the importance of general aviation to our state, I will direct the Texas Transportation Commission to study statewide general aviation issues and develop legislative recommendations for the 80th Legislature."