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.