BILL ANALYSIS
By: Chavez
Committee Report (Substituted)
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
Currently, local governments within Economically Disadvantaged Counties (EDC) are eligible for an adjustment to the required match for federally funded transportation projects. However, in order to obtain the reduction, the local government must apply for the adjustment for each project. The application is reviewed by TXDOT staff and approved on a quarterly basis by the Texas Transportation Commission (TTC). EDC adjustment approval must be granted prior to the execution of project agreements. This means that there may be potential delays in the implementation of projects, particularly in the very areas where state-developed economic indicators are already reflecting disadvantaged conditions. This proposed certification and procedure change would reduce the staff time spent by each of the local governments in requesting the adjustments and the time that TXDOT staff spends on reviewing, recommending and documenting the requests.
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.
ANALYSIS
This Act requires the Texas Transportation Commission to certify a county as an economically disadvantaged county on an annual basis. This Act requires the commission to determine whether to make an adjustment at the time that a political subdivision submits a highway project proposal.
EFFECTIVE DATE
September 1, 2005.
COMPARISON OF ORIGINAL TO SUBSTITUTE
The Substitute adds Subsection (h) allowing the Transportation Commission to delegate any of its duties or powers under this section to the director or the director's designee.