79R12464 MTB-F


By:  Krusee                                                       H.B. No. 2650


A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to local government participation in the financing of turnpike projects. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Subchapter I, Chapter 361, Transportation Code, is amended by adding Section 361.308 to read as follows: Sec. 361.308. AGREEMENTS WITH LOCAL GOVERNMENTS. (a) In this section, "local government" means a: (1) county, municipality, special district, or other political subdivision of this state; (2) local government corporation created under Subchapter D, Chapter 431; or (3) combination of two or more entities described by Subdivision (1) or (2). (b) A local government may enter into an agreement with the department or a private entity under which the local government assists in the financing of the construction, maintenance, and operation of a turnpike project located in the government's jurisdiction in return for a percentage of the revenue from the project. (c) A local government may use any revenue available for road purposes, including bond and tax proceeds, to provide financing under Subsection (b). (d) An agreement under this section between a local government and a private entity must be approved by the department. (e) Revenue received by a local government under an agreement under this section must be used for transportation purposes. SECTION 2. Subchapter G, Chapter 370, Transportation Code, is amended by adding Section 370.317 to read as follows: Sec. 370.317. AGREEMENTS WITH LOCAL GOVERNMENTS. (a) In this section, "local government" means a: (1) county, municipality, special district, or other political subdivision of this state; (2) local government corporation created under Subchapter D, Chapter 431; or (3) combination of two or more entities described by Subdivision (1) or (2). (b) A local government may enter into an agreement with an authority or a private entity under which the local government assists in the financing of the construction, maintenance, and operation of a turnpike project located in the government's jurisdiction in return for a percentage of the revenue from the project. (c) A local government may use any revenue available for road purposes, including bond and tax proceeds, to provide financing under Subsection (b). (d) An agreement under this section between a local government and a private entity must be approved by the department. (e) Revenue received by a local government under an agreement under this section must be used for transportation purposes. SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2005.