Texas House Bill HB2858

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to a study and analysis by the comptroller on delivery methods used for certain projects of the Texas Department of Transportation and the Texas Water Development Board.

Impact

By focusing on public-private partnerships, HB2858 seeks to potentially streamline the funding and execution of large-scale transportation and water projects across Texas. This approach may significantly impact budget allocations and project financing, as the study aims to draw direct comparisons between traditional delivery methods and alternative methods involving private financing. The findings from such analyses could influence how future infrastructure projects are managed, possibly resulting in cost savings and increased funding availability for other regions of Texas.

Summary

House Bill 2858 is aimed at enhancing the delivery methods for certain significant projects managed by the Texas Department of Transportation and the Texas Water Development Board. The bill mandates that the comptroller of public accounts collaborates with these departments to conduct a comprehensive study investigating the economic implications and feasibility of utilizing public-private partnerships as an alternative project delivery model. Specifically, the bill seeks to evaluate which project delivery methods might yield the most efficient economic outcomes, particularly for projects valued above $1 billion.

Contention

Despite its potential benefits, there may be concerns and debates surrounding the bill, particularly regarding the implications of increased private involvement in public infrastructure projects. Critics could argue that relying on public-private partnerships might prioritize profit over public good, potentially leading to issues related to accountability and service quality. Additionally, the bill's predefined timelines for reporting and evaluating meaningful data are crucial in understanding its efficacy, as the outcomes of the study will directly inform legislative decisions on future project delivery methods.