80R7535 JTS-D
 
  By: Vo H.B. No. 2693
 
 
 
   
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to economic impact studies conducted by the Texas
Transportation Commission.
       BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
       SECTION 1.  Subchapter H, Chapter 201, Transportation Code,
is amended by adding Section 201.605 to read as follows:
       Sec. 201.605.  ECONOMIC IMPACT REVIEW.  (a)  The commission
by rule shall provide for the commission's review of the impact of
the department's transportation projects on businesses located in
the area of a project.  The rules must provide for:
             (1)  public comment on the commission's economic
reviews, including the types of projects for which public hearings
are required, and a procedure for requesting a public hearing on an
economic review for which a public hearing is not required;
             (2)  the commission's evaluation of direct and indirect
effects of the department's projects;
             (3)  analysis of project alternatives; and
             (4)  a written report that briefly explains the
commission's decision on a project and that specifies any
mitigation measures on economic harm on which the project is
conditioned.
       (b)  An economic review of a project must be conducted in the
time required for an environmental review of the project.
       (c)  The commission shall consider the results of its reviews
in executing its duties.
       SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2007.