AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

 

The goal of this bill is to allow the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to be able to enter into public private partnerships for the Grand Parkway (State Highway 99).  This project is an outer beltway in excess of 180 miles that traverses the seven county region around the Houston metropolitan area.  The counties, working in coordination with TxDOT, entered into an agreement to develop the remaining parts of the project.  Allowing TxDOT to enter into a public private partnership for the Grand Parkway will help get the project completed as soon as possible.  This project will help relieve some of the congestion in the Houston area.

 

As proposed, S.B. 1007 amends current law relating to certain comprehensive development agreements of the Texas Department of Transportation.

 

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 Subchapter E, Chapter 223, Transportation Code, by adding Section 223.2011, as follows:

 

Sec. 223.2011.  LIMITED AUTHORITY FOR CERTAIN PROJECTS USING COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENTS.  Authorizes the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), notwithstanding Sections 223.201(f) (relating to TxDOT's authority to enter into a comprehensive development agreement with a private entity provided by this section expiring August 31, 2009, except as provided by Subsections (h) and (i)) and (i) (relating to the authority to enter into a comprehensive development agreement for a project exempted from Subsection (f) or Section 223.210(b) expiring August 31, 2011), to enter into a comprehensive development agreement relating to improvements to Grand Parkway (State Highway 99).

 

SECTION 2.  Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2011.