LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD Austin, Texas FISCAL NOTE, 77th Regular Session May 26, 2001 TO: Honorable Bill Ratliff, Lieutenant Governor Honorable James E. "Pete" Laney, Speaker of the House FROM: John Keel, Director, Legislative Budget Board IN RE: SB409 by Cain (Relating to the powers and duties of the Texas Turnpike Authority division of the Texas Department of Transportation, including the power of eminent domain.), Conference Committee Report ************************************************************************** * No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated. * ************************************************************************** The bill would amend the Transportation Code to expand eligible construction costs related to turnpike projects and the authority, powers, and duties of the Texas Turnpike Authority (TTA). The bill would allow the TTA to engage in, and enter into contractual agreements to procure, marketing, advertising, and other activities to promote the development and use of turnpike projects with the concurrence of the Texas Transportation Commission (TTC). The bill would also allow the TTA to form, develop, or utilize a transportation corporation for the promotion and development of turnpike projects with the concurrence of the TTC. The bill would allow turnpike project costs incurred before the issuance of bonds to be reimbursed from the proceeds of the sale of the bonds. The bill would also allow the TTA to use funds from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to undertake turnpike project feasibility studies at the request of the TTC and would require that any feasibility study expenditures be repaid from turnpike revenue bond proceeds or any other proceeds eligible to pay for construction, improvement, expansion, or operation of the project if it is constructed. The bill would also establish guidelines and requirements for the relocation of a public utility facility under specific conditions. TxDOT does not indicate that any significant increases for turnpike projects would be realized as a result of the bill. It is assumed that any expenditures from State Highway Fund No. 006 would be repaid in accordance with current law. The bill would take effect immediately if it received the requisite of two-thirds majority votes of each house of the Legislature. Otherwise, it would take effect September 1, 2001. Local Government Impact No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated. Source Agencies: LBB Staff: JK, JO, MW