BILL ANALYSIS
By: Hodge
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
Dallas Philanthropist Margaret McDermott was the first individual to make a personal contribution to ensure that Dallas’ Trinity River Project will have the best possible design and the greatest possible benefit to the Dallas community. Her initial gift gave Dallas the ability to secure Santiago Calatrava to design bridges that will connect north and south Dallas, creating new landmarks and supporting neighborhood and economic revitalization.
The wife of one of the founders of Texas Instruments, Margaret McDermott guided the McDermott Foundation after Eugene McDermott’s death to become one of Texas’ most important charitable foundations. Focusing primarily on the arts, culture, and education, the Eugene McDermott Foundation has responded to all aspects of needs in Dallas and has helped the city to emerge as a 21st century city of great vision and culture.
Mrs. McDermott was one of the first to see the possibilities for Dallas in enhancing the Trinity River Corridor. She caught the vision of the importance of beauty, grandeur, and style that would come with Calatrava designed bridges and has contributed millions of dollars to make that vision a reality.
H.B. 1947 will honor Mrs. McDermott by naming the Interstate 30 Bridge in Dallas the Margaret McDermott Bridge.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.
ANALYSIS
H.B. 1947 amends Subchapter B, Chapter 225, Transportation Code by adding Section 225.070 which designates the structure on Interstate 30 in the city of Dallas which connects the east and west levee on the Trinity River as the Margaret McDermott Bridge.
It also describes the process in which the Texas Department of Transportation shall design, construct and erect markers designating the bridge as the Margaret McDermott Bridge.
EFFECTIVE DATE
September 1, 2007.