AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

 

S.B. 971 adds port projects to the list of transportation projects eligible to receive funds from a county or municipal transportation reinvestment zone's tax increment growth.

 

Port projects include projects related to port security, transportation, or facilities.

 

This bill seeks to assist all ports along the Texas Gulf Coast in generating revenue to provide local matching dollars or pay for costly long-term economic development projects such as dredging waterways and widening channels.

 

As proposed, S.B. 971 amends current law relating to projects for which a transportation reinvestment zone may be created.

 

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 Section 222.108(d), Transportation Code, to redefine "transportation project" in this section to include transportation projects described by Section 370.003 (Definitions); and port security, transportation, or facility projects available for funding under Section 55.002 (Port Development Funding).

 

SECTION 2.  Effective date:  September 1, 2013.