H.B. No. 1653
AN ACT
relating to approval of the construction of a bridge over the Rio
Grande.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 201.612, Transportation Code, is amended
by amending Subsections (a) and (b) and adding Subsection (g) to
read as follows:
(a) A political subdivision or private entity authorized to
construct or finance the construction of a bridge over the Rio
Grande:
(1) must obtain approval from the commission and from
the United States under Subchapter IV, Chapter 11, Title 33, United
States Code, for the construction of the bridge [before requesting
approval from the United States under Subchapter IV, Chapter 11,
Title 33, United States Code]; and
(2) shall submit to the commission a report that
details the feasibility, location, economic effect, and
environmental impact of the bridge and any other information the
commission by rule may require.
(b) The [To the maximum extent practicable, the] department
shall:
(1) to the maximum extent practicable, implement the
approval process in the manner least burdensome to an applicant;
and
(2) allow an applicant to concurrently seek approval
from the commission and the United States under Subsection (a)(1).
(g) If the commission does not approve construction of the
bridge, the applicant shall withdraw the request for approval from
the United States.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2003.
______________________________ ______________________________
President of the Senate Speaker of the House
I certify that H.B. No. 1653 was passed by the House on May 6,
2003, by the following vote: Yeas 140, Nays 0, 1 present, not
voting.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House
I certify that H.B. No. 1653 was passed by the Senate on May
27, 2003, by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.
______________________________
Secretary of the Senate
APPROVED: _____________________
Date
_____________________
Governor