TWT H.B. 2115 75(R)BILL ANALYSIS TRANSPORTATION H.B. 2115 By: Craddick 3-23-97 Committee Report (Unamended) BACKGROUND The "La Entrada al Pacifico" is a trade corridor which was conceived in 1995 by the Motran (Midland-Odessa Transportation) Alliance and the Economic Development Department of the Mexican State of Chihuahua. In addition to the route in Texas, the corridor extends through Mexico to Creel. From Creel, a new toll road is proposed to El Fuerte which will provide highway access from Texas to a deep water Pacific port, which is 500 miles closer than Los Angeles; thus the name which means "entrance to the Pacific." PURPOSE The purpose of this legislation is to help capture a greater percentage of trade with Mexico by designating a route through Texas known as "La Entrada al Pacifico." RULEMAKING AUTHORITY It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency or institution. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Subchapter B, Chapter 225, Transportation Code (State Highway Names), by adding Section 225.034. (a) Designates the highways comprising the future route of La Entrada al Pacifico Corridor. (b) Requires the TXDOT to design and construct commemorative markers along the corridor. (c) Provides for the erection of commemorative markers at each end of the highway and at any intermediate sites that the department determines appropriate. SECTION 2. Emergency Clause. Effective upon passage.