79R6795 DRH-D

By:  Carona, et al.                                               S.B. No. 968



A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to allowing the Texas Department of Transportation to make 
grants to a county or municipality for recreational trails.
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                        
	SECTION 1.  Subchapter H, Chapter 201, Transportation Code, 
is amended by adding Section 201.617 to read as follows:
	Sec. 201.617.  GRANTS FOR RECREATIONAL TRAILS.  (a)  To 
enhance transportation options and provide health benefits to the 
residents of this state, the department shall implement a program 
under which the department grants money to counties and 
municipalities for projects involving the construction, 
maintenance, or improvement of recreational trails for use by 
pedestrians or bicyclists.
	(b)  In determining whether to award a grant under this 
section, the department shall consider:
		(1)  the amount of money committed by the municipality 
or county for the project as well as any private donations for the 
project;
		(2)  the economic benefits that the project would 
provide to the state and region and to the municipality or county; 
and
		(3)  the extent to which the project would promote, and 
the effect the project would have on, different methods of 
transportation.
	(c)  The department shall give priority to making grants 
under this section for projects that interconnect with other 
existing recreational trails and allow for access to major 
recreational, educational, medical, commercial, or cultural 
facilities.
	(d)  The department shall adopt rules as necessary to 
implement the program authorized by this section.
	SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2005.