BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center H.B. 2656
By: Krusee (Ogden)
Transportation & Homeland Security
AUTHOR'S/SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
There is a great need for a new general aviation airport in Central Texas. The closing of Robert Mueller Airport and the Austin Executive Airport in recent years has cut the region's capacity for general aviation drastically. This lack of capacity severely decreases the region's ability to handle private business and executive travel, and consequently has negative economic effects on Central Texas.
In 2001, the 77th Legislature passed H.B. 2522, which mandated that the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) establish a general aviation airport in Central Texas. However, the bill prohibited TxDOT from using department funds to establish this facility.
H.B. 2656 removes this prohibition, and specifically allows TxDOT to use "department funds appropriated for aviation services" to establish the facility.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Sections 21.069(a) and (e), Transportation Code, as follows:
(a) Deletes requirement that the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) consult with the State Aircraft Pooling Board in establishing a public state airport in Central Texas.
(e) Authorizes TxDOT to utilize only TxDOT funds appropriated for aviation services for the establishment of this facility.
SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2005.