SRC-ARR S.B. 1502 76(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 1502 By: Lindsay Natural Resources 4/28/1999 As Filed DIGEST Currently, the Port of Houston Authority (PHA), a navigation district and political subdivision of the state, manages the operations of the public facilities along the Houston Ship Channel. Its existing container terminal at Barbours Cut, which handles more than half of the container cargo in the Gulf of Mexico, generates approximately $800 million in economic activity each year. Because further development at Barbours Cut is constrained by lack of expansion space, PHA is proposing to develop a new and even larger container facility to be known as the Bayport Terminal Complex. S.B. 1502 would amend the condemnation powers of navigation districts, the ability of navigation districts or port authorities to form local government corporations, and procurement powers of navigation districts in order for a container facility to be built. PURPOSE As proposed, S.B. 1502 amends the condemnation powers of navigation districts, the ability of navigation districts or port authorities to form local government corporations, and procurement powers of navigation districts. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Section 62.106, Water Code, by deleting Subsection (d), providing that no right of way be condemned through any part of an incorporated city or town without the consent of the lawful authorities of that city or town. SECTION 2. Amends Section 431.003(3), Transportation Code, to redefine "local government." SECTION 3. Amends Chapter 26, Water Code, by adding Subchapter I, as follows: SUBCHAPTER I. PURCHASES; CONTRACTS Sec. 62.350. PURCHASING CONTRACTS. Authorizes navigation district (district) contracts valued at $25,000 or more in the aggregate for each 12-month period to be made by any of the methods available to school districts under Chapter 44B, Education Code, that provides the best value to the district. SECTION 4. Emergency clause. Effective date: 90 days after adjournment.