BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 1866

By: Gonzalez, Naomi

Transportation

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Currently, State Highway 20, also known as Alameda Avenue, is badly in need of revitalization to address the lack of aesthetic beauty and the presence of crime on the avenue.  Rich in history, State Highway 20 would benefit from designation as a Texas historic highway by giving the community a focal point around which to pursue grants, develop long-term goals, and promote revitalization.  H.B. 1866 seeks to aid these important efforts by providing for the designation of State Highway 20 as a Texas historic highway.   

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 1866 amends the Government Code to require the Texas Historical Commission to cooperate with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to designate, interpret, and market State Highway 20 as a Texas historic highway. The bill authorizes the Texas Historical Commission and TxDOT to pursue federal funds dedicated to highway enhancement to supplement revenue available for such purposes. The bill clarifies that a designation of State Highway 20 as a Texas historic highway may not be construed as a designation under the National Historic Preservation Act. The bill establishes that TxDOT is not required to design, construct, or erect a marker unless a grant or donation of funds is made to TxDOT to cover the cost of the design, construction, and erection of the marker.  The bill requires money received to cover the cost of the marker to be deposited to the credit of the state highway fund.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2011.