CSSB 370 is amended by inserting a new Section 1.12 to read as follows and renumbering the current Section 1.12 and all following sections as appropriate: SECTION 1.12. Subchapter I, Chapter 201, Transportation Code, is amended by adding Section 201.706 to read as follows: Sec. 201.706. Local Government Assistance. From funds appropriated in Strategy A.1.5, routine maintenance, General Appropriations Act, the Department of Transportation shall assist cities and counties with the maintenance of city streets and county roads. The department shall: (1) when requested by any local government, provide engineering/maintenance expertise on roadway maintenance within available department resources. (2) make maximum usage of surplus materials on hand by making surplus materials available to any local government needing such materials. (3) develop rules and procedures in order to implement this section and provide for the equitable distribution of these surplus materials and other assistance with a preference given to counties with an above average number of overweight trucks at a total value of assistance of not less than the assistance provided in the 1996-97 biennium. (4) undertake cooperative and joint procurement of roadway materials with local governments and General Service Commission procedures.