81R1079 JTS-D
 
  By: Vo H.B. No. 1101
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to economic impact reviews 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 economic
  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 impact
  reviews, including the types of projects for which public hearings
  are required, and a procedure for requesting a public hearing on an
  economic impact 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 impact 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, 2009.