BILL ANALYSIS
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
The Ports-to-Plains Corridor (corridor) route is currently comprised of many different highways. To make the corridor more identifiable to travelers, truck drivers, and other users, official signage along the corridor identifying it as "Ports-to-Plains" would be helpful. The Ports-to-Plains Corridor Coalition has secured federal funding for the new signs; however, the signs cannot be posted until the corridor is designated as Ports-to-Plains by the state. The route has already been designated as Ports-to-Plains at the federal level. Once completed, the corridor will bring tremendous economic development to West Texas, creating more than 40,000 new jobs with an economic impact of more than $4.5 billion. It will also provide an alternative for freight movement that could relieve some congestion from Interstate Highway 35.
As proposed, S.B. 850 officially names the Ports-to-Plains Corridor, as designated by Congress, through the State of Texas.
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
SECTION 1. Amends Subchapter B, Chapter 225, Transportation Code, by adding Section 225.069, as follows:
Sec. 225.069. PORTS-TO-PLAINS CORRIDOR. (a) Designates certain portions of Interstate Highway 35, U.S. Highway 83, U.S. Highway 277, U.S. Highway 87, State Highway 158, Interstate Highway 20, State Highway 349, U.S. Highway 87, Interstate Highway 27, and U.S. Highway 287, as the Ports-to-Plains Corridor.
(b) Requires the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to design and construct identifying markers indicating certain information.
(c) Requires TxDOT, except as provided by Subsection (d), to erect a marker at each end of the highway and at appropriate intermediate sites along the highway.
(d) Provides that TxDOT is not required to design, construct, or erect a marker required by this section unless a grant or donation is made to TxDOT to cover the costs of the marker.
(e) Requires that money collected under Section 225.021 (General Provisions), Transportation Code, for the purpose of implementing this section be deposited into the state highway fund.
SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2007.
EFFECTIVE DATE
September 1, 2007.