LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 79TH LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

April 12, 2005

TO:	Honorable Todd Staples, Chair, Senate Committee on Transportation & Homeland Security
FROM:	John S. O'Brien, Deputy Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	SB968 by Carona (Relating to allowing the Texas Department of Transportation to make grants to a county or municipality for recreational trails.), As Introduced

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would amend the Transportation Code by adding Section 201.617 to require the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to 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. The bill would require TxDOT to consider the amount of local funds and private funds committed to each project.

Since the bill does not designate a specific source or amount of funding, it is assumed the provisions of the bill could be accomplished through the Statewide Transportation Enhancement Program and the federal Bicycle Transportation and Pedestrian Walkways program authorized by Title 23, United States Code, Section 217, which are currently administered by TxDOT.

The bill would take effect on September 1, 2005.

Local Government Impact

The bill would result in a positive fiscal impact to those counties and municipalities that apply for, are awarded, and accept a grant from the TxDOT.

Source Agencies:

601 Department of Transportation

LBB Staff:

JOB, KJG, SR, MW, TG