BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center C.S.S.B. 893
By: Zaffirini
Transportation & Homeland Security
Committee Report (Substituted)
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
Cities along the border are authorized to construct a railroad toll bridge. However, border counties lack similar authority. Currently, Webb County is considering development of a new rail bridge to facilitate commerce between the United States and Mexico.
C.S.S.B. 893 grants border counties the authority to construct a railroad toll bridge and to enter into agreements with a private entity or other government entities for the purpose of constructing and maintaining such a bridge.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Subchapter A, Chapter 364, Transportation Code, by adding Section 364.0001, as follows:
Sec. 364.0001. DEFINITION. (a) Defines "bridge," except as provided by Subsection (b).
(b) Provides that, for the purposes of this chapter, "bridge" does not include a railroad bridge in a county with a population of more than 675,000.
SECTION 2. Amends Subchapter A, Chapter 364, Transportation Code, by adding Section 364.004, as follows:
Sec. 364.004. AGREEMENTS RELATING TO TOLL BRIDGE. (a) Authorizes a county to enter into and make payments under an agreement with a private entity or another governmental entity to acquire, construct, maintain, or operate a toll bridge including an international toll bridge, and authorizes a private or governmental entity to enter into an agreement with a county for that purpose.
(b) Authorizes a county, in connection with or in support of an agreement entered into under Subsection (a), to enter into a lease or certain agreements with a private entity or another governmental entity.
(c) Provides that this section does not apply to a county with a population or more than 675,000.
SECTION 3. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2007.