By: Ogden S.B. No. 718

(In the Senate - Filed February 16, 2007; March 6, 2007, read first time and referred to Committee on Transportation and Homeland Security; March 26, 2007, reported favorably by the following vote: Yeas 9, Nays 0; March 26, 2007, sent to printer.)

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the route selection for the Trans-Texas Corridor.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Section 227.012, Transportation Code, is amended to read as follows:

Sec. 227.012. ROUTE SELECTION. (a) The commission shall consider the following criteria when selecting a route for a segment of the Trans-Texas Corridor:

(1) current and projected traffic patterns;

(2) the safety of motorists;

(3) potential risks to persons from spills or accidents of any kind;

(4) environmental effects, including the effect on air quality;

(5) current and projected economic development;

(6) the current and projected need for additional transportation options; and

(7) system connectivity.

(b) To the extent possible, the commission shall select a route for a segment of the Trans-Texas Corridor that lies on the Texas Highway Trunk System.

(c) Before the 11th day after making a determination under Subsection (b) that it is not possible to select a route for a segment of the Trans-Texas Corridor that lies on the Texas Highway Trunk System, the commission shall file a written report of that determination and the reasons supporting the determination with each member of the legislature.

SECTION 2. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2007.

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