Honorable Mike Krusee, Chair, House Committee on Transportation
FROM:
John S. O'Brien, Deputy Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB1696 by Bonnen (Relating to the relocation of utility facilities for state highway purposes.), As Introduced
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend Section 203.0921 of the Transportation Code, relating to the relocation of utility facilities by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) for essential highway improvements. The bill would give utilities the option to reimburse TxDOT for any amount expended or advanced for the relocation of facilities necessary to accommodate improvements.
Current law requires utilities to reimburse TxDOT for the relocation of facilities pursuant to Section 203.0921. TxDOT indicates that $31.5 million in loans through the State Infrastructure Bank have been issued since 1998 for 24 utility relocations including two loans made in fiscal year 2004 for $520,000 and that the number of future utility relocations that would be effected by the provisions of the bill could increase, but cannot be estimated. Based on information provided by TxDOT, it is assumed that duties and responsibilities associated with implementing the provisions of the bill could be absorbed within existing resources.
Local Government Impact
No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.