Honorable Robert Nichols, Chair, Senate Committee On Transportation
FROM:
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
SB466 by Hinojosa (Relating to the authority of the Texas Department of Transportation to participate in certain federal transportation programs.), As Introduced
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Transportation Code to authorize the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to assume the responsibilities of the United States Department of Transportation with respect to duties under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 other federal environmental laws. The bill would authorize TxDOT to enter into agreements with the U.S. Secretary of Transportation related to designating categorical exclusions from federally required environmental assessments or impact statements for highway projects as provided by 23 U.S.C. Section 326 or the federal surface transportation project delivery program for the delivery of transportation projects as provided by 23 U.S.C. Section 327. The bill would authorize the Texas Transportation Commission to adopt rules to implement the provisions of the bill and to adopt relevant federal environmental standards as the state standards for the program responsibilities assumed by TxDOT.
Based on the information provided by TxDOT, it is assumed any costs or duties associated with implementing the provisions of the bill could be absorbed within the agency’s existing resources.
Local Government Impact
No fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.