AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
In 2001, the legislature established the Border Trade Advisory Committee (committee) to assist the Texas Transportation Commission (TTC) in developing strategies and making recommendations to TTC and the governor to address high priority border trade transportation challenges, in addition to considering potential sources of infrastructure funding at border ports. The committee consists of roadway transportation-related officials from the border transportation districts, including representation from their metropolitan planning organizations, the state's ports of entry, and transportation/trade research institutions.
Recent developments that impact trade around the world, including the expansion of the Panama Canal, have led to increased recognition of the importance of multi-modal forms of transportation, particularly water-borne freight, to transportation officials. Recognizing the profound importance of waterborne trade to the state's economic future, especially with Texas' number one trade partner, S.B. 816 updates the membership of the committee to include representation by the state's only maritime port that is situated directly on the international boundary with Mexico. Additionally, S.B. 816 also directs the committee to consider "maritime ports" in its consideration of potential sources of infrastructure funding at border ports.
SB. 816 amends Section 201.114 (Border Trade Advisory Committee), Transportation Code, to include the port director of the Port of Brownsville or the port director's designee among those required to be appointed to the committee. In doing so, the state's only maritime port located on the Texas-Mexico border will be represented on the committee. S.B 816 also amends Section 201.114 to specifically include "maritime ports" among the items to be considered by TTC for infrastructure funding at border ports.
S.B. 816 amends current law relating to the appointment and recommendations of the Border Trade Advisory Committee.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Sections 201.114(b), and (c), Transportation Code, as follows:
(b) Requires the Texas Transportation Commission (TTC) to appoint the other members of the committee, which to the extent practicable include certain persons, including the port director of the Port of Brownsville or the port director's designee.
(c) Requires TTC, in determining action to be taken on the recommendations, to consider the importance of trade with the United Mexican States, potential sources of infrastructure funding at border ports, including maritime ports, and the value of trade activity in the Texas Department of Transportation's districts adjacent to the border with the United Mexican States.
SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2011.