The bill would authorize the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to provide to a rural rail transportation district or a shortline railroad a grant for certain types of rail facility projects using only money specifically appropriated for that purpose. The bill would prohibit TxDOT from using money deposited to the State Highway Fund for that purpose. The bill would require the Texas Transportation Commission to adopt rules to implement the provisions of the bill. The bill would take effect immediately upon receiving a vote of two-thirds of all members elected to each house or, otherwise, on September 1, 2025.
Based on the information provided by TxDOT, it is assumed any costs or duties associated with administering the grant program could be absorbed within existing resources. Because the amount and timing of legislative appropriations to TxDOT to fund rail facility financial assistance grants is unknown, the fiscal impact to the State cannot be determined.