By: Carona  S.R. No. 2
         (In the Senate - Filed January 3, 2007; February 14, 2007,
  read first time and referred to Committee on Transportation and
  Homeland Security; February 26, 2007, reported adversely, with
  favorable Committee Substitute by the following vote:  Yeas 8,
  Nays 0; February 26, 2007, sent to printer.)
 
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR S.R. No. 2 By:  Carona
 
 
SENATE RESOLUTION
 
         BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
  WHEREAS, Efforts by the Texas Transportation Commission to
  influence the United States Congress and other states for changes
  in federal law relating to the statewide transportation enhancement
  program imply that the Texas Department of Transportation opposes
  this popular program in the form it has administered for 15 years;
  and
         WHEREAS, Texans have embraced the program, which Congress
  established in 1991 to enhance the driving experience, as a way to
  improve the aesthetics of local roadways, affect the quality of the
  environment in every region, and contribute to the livelihoods of
  countless Texas communities; and
         WHEREAS, As the agency charged with administering the program
  in Texas, the Texas Department of Transportation has a
  responsibility to ensure that money appropriated by Congress for
  scenic beautification, pedestrian and bicycle trails, and historic
  preservation is delivered to Texas cities and counties that depend
  on it; and
         WHEREAS, The Texas Transportation Commission has chosen to
  reduce funding for the statewide transportation enhancement
  program and suspend the evaluation of the 332 applications
  submitted for program funding in response to a reduction in federal
  transportation funds allocated to Texas; and
         WHEREAS, Texas is known for its beauty and history, and
  Texans have traditionally prioritized the creation of scenic roads
  and trails and the preservation of the history of our great state to
  enhance the quality of life and strengthen the Texas economy; now,
  therefore, be it
         RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 80th
  Legislature, hereby request the Texas Transportation Commission to
  cease efforts to influence Congress and other states for changes in
  federal law relating to the statewide transportation enhancement
  program; and, be it further
         RESOLVED, That the secretary of the senate forward an
  official copy of this resolution to the Texas Office of
  State-Federal Relations and to the chairman of the Texas
  Transportation Commission.
 
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