BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	S.B. 28
	By: Creighton
	Transportation
	3/20/2017
	As Filed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Texas ports are responsible for over 30 percent of the Texas gross domestic product and are integral to the Texas manufacturing and energy miracle that sustained the Texas economy through the depths of the economic downturn. However, Texas ports and manufacturing face an unprecedented competitive threat as ports in neighboring states are beating Texas in the race to improve their depth and infrastructure to meet the opportunities created by the new, deeper Panama Canal.

S.B. 28 clarifies that Texas Mobility Funds can only be used for construction or improvements of public roadways that will enhance connectivity to ports.

S.B. 28 creates a ship channel improvement revolving fund to assist local sponsors in deepening and widening projects.

As proposed, S.B. 28 amends current law relating to the financing of ports in the state.

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 55.001, Transportation Code, by adding Subdivision (6), to define �port access improvement project� to mean the construction or improvement of public roadways that will enhance connectivity to ports.�

SECTION 2. Amends Section 55.002(e), Transportation Code, to authorize the Texas Transportation Commission to use money from the Texas Mobility Fund to provide funding for a port access improvement project, rather than to provide funding, including through a loan, for certain other port-related projects.

SECTION 3. Amends Subtitle A, Title 4, Transportation Code, by adding Chapter 56, as follows:

CHAPTER 56. FUNDING OF SHIP CHANNEL IMPROVEMENTS

Sec. 56.001. DEFINITIONS. Defines �commission,� �department,� �fund,� and �navigation district.�

Sec. 56.002. SHIP CHANNEL IMPROVEMENT REVOLVING FUND. Provides that the ship channel improvement revolving fund is an account in the general revenue fund and is administered by the Texas Department of Transportation.

SECTION 4. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2017.