LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 80TH LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

May 24, 2007

TO:	Honorable Tom Craddick, Speaker of the House, House of Representatives
FROM:	John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	HB160 by Menendez (Relating to rail relocation and improvement in the state.), As Passed 2nd House

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would require the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to conduct a study to determine the economic feasibility of relocating freight trains that carry hazardous materials away from residential areas in municipalities with populations of more than 1.2 million and report the results of the study to the Governor and the Legislature no later than March 1, 2008.

 

The bill would authorize the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to include as an eligible infrastructure project for TERP funds, a project to reduce air pollution and engine idling by relieving congestion at a rail intersection located in a nonattainment or near nonattainment area.

 

Based on the analysis of TxDOT, it is assumed any costs or duties associated with implementing the provisions of the bill could be absorbed within the agency's existing resources.

 

The bill would take effect immediately upon receiving a vote of two-thirds of all members elected to each house or otherwise on September 1, 2007.

Local Government Impact

No fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.

Source Agencies:

LBB Staff:

JOB, KJG, SD, TG