Honorable Robert Nichols, Chair, Senate Committee on Transportation
FROM:
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB3302 by Darby (Relating to highway landscaping projects.), 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 establish guidelines for highway landscaping on state rights of way that require the use of regionally appropriate plants. The bill would require TxDOT to allocate funds to the applicable districts for landscaping improvements for each highway project involving the expenditure of $5 million or more. The bill would allow TxDOT, before allocating money to a district, to consider financial assistance from a political subdivision or private organization for landscaping improvements. The bill would establish limits on the amount allocated for landscaping depending on the estimated total amount to be spent under a contract for construction, maintenance, or improvement of a highway.
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 existing resources.
Local Government Impact
No fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.