AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
As the state population and trade increases, all forms of transportation infrastructure are showing stress. Rail can and should play an important role in moving freight and people around and through Texas. However, rail is very expensive to build and Texas lacks a dedicated funding source for rail infrastructure. Opening the option of a public private partnership to expand rail in Texas could help identify a funding source for such projects.
S.B. 1488 allows the Texas Department of Transportation to enter into a comprehensive development agreement, also known as a public private partnership, for rail projects in Texas.
As proposed, S.B. 1488 amends current law relating to the authority for the department of transportation to enter into a comprehensive development agreement for the financing, design, acquisition, construction, maintenance, or operation of a rail facility or system.
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 91.054(a), Transportation Code, to provide that the authority provided under Chapter 91 (Rail Facilities), Transportation Code, is not subject to the limitations provided by Section 223.201(f) (relating to the authority of the Texas Department of Transportation to enter into a comprehensive development agreement only for all or part of certain roads and highways) or to the limitations on entering into a comprehensive development agreement for a project described by Section 223.201(f).
SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage, or September 1, 2013.