Honorable Robert Nichols, Chair, Senate Committee on Transportation
FROM:
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB13 by Pickett (Relating to categories of and funding allocation for transportation projects by the Texas Department of Transportation and local transportation entities.), As Engrossed
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Transportation Code to require the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to initiate a process to review and update the funding categories and formulas adopted by the Texas Transportation Commission (TTC) for the Unified Transportation Program (UTP). The bill would require TxDOT to seek the input of metropolitan planning organizations (MPO) and TxDOT districts in the review process and to convene meetings to facilitate discussions among the planning organizations to achieve a consensus recommendation regarding updated UTP categories and formulas. The bill would require the TTC to adopt rules updating the categories and funding formulas no later than May 1, 2016. The bill would require each MPO, and applicable TxDOT districts for areas outside the boundaries of a MPO, to develop a 10-year plan for the use of funding allocated to the region. The bill would require chief financial officer of TxDOT to prepare and publish 10-year cash flow projection to identify transportation project funding, commitments, and allocations. The bill would require the TTC to hold a public hearing prior to the transfer of funds between categories in the UTP. If TxDOT receives appropriations from General Revenue or State Highway Funds for the 2016-17 biennium in an amount that exceeds the appropriation from those funds for the 2014-15 biennium, the bill would authorize the TTC to use the additional funds to finance projects that would otherwise be financed with proceeds from the sale of certain bonds. The bill would require the TTC to determine whether the unused bond proceeds may be used to finance projects and establish rules establishing criteria for projects to be considered eligible for this financing.
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 significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.