Relating to the powers and jurisdiction of a regional mobility authority.
Impact
If passed, HB 2743 would facilitate the regional mobility authorities' ability to undertake transportation projects that enhance connectivity and efficiency within the state's transportation framework. This could lead to improved infrastructure and services affecting local and regional communities. The bill is expected to stimulate collaborative efforts between counties and regional authorities, potentially leading to more comprehensive and integrated transportation solutions across jurisdictions, which can prove beneficial given the growing transportation needs in Texas.
Summary
House Bill 2743 aims to clarify and expand the powers and jurisdiction of regional mobility authorities in Texas. The bill revises two key sections of the Transportation Code to enable these authorities to engage in a broader range of transportation-related activities, including the ability to study, evaluate, plan, design, and operate various transportation projects not only within their jurisdictions but also in adjacent counties and potentially other states. Notably, the bill includes provisions for projects that provide significant benefits to the areas covered by the authority, which emphasizes intergovernmental collaboration on transportation initiatives.
Contention
However, there are concerns surrounding the bill, particularly regarding the scope of authority it grants to mobility authorities. Critics might view this expansion as potentially diminishing local governments' control over transportation decisions in their own counties. There is a fear that this could lead to mismatched priorities between regional plans and local community needs, especially if local populations feel their specific transportation issues may be sidelined in favor of broader regional objectives. Stakeholders may advocate for ensuring that local interests are adequately represented in such collaborative frameworks.
Relating to the development and operation by a regional mobility authority of an urban green space or aesthetic enhancement located above, adjacent to, or connected to an interstate highway.
Relating to the development and operation by a regional mobility authority of an urban green space or aesthetic enhancement located above, adjacent to, or connected to an interstate highway.
Relating to the creation of the Presidio International Port Authority District; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments, fees, and taxes.
Relating to the creation of the Presidio International Port Authority District; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments, fees, and taxes.
Relating to the creation of the Cross Timbers Regional Utility Authority; granting a limited power of eminent domain; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments and fees.
Relating to the powers and duties of the Stanley Lake Municipal Utility District; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose fees and taxes.
Relating to the creation of and the powers of a comprehensive multimodal urban transportation authority, including the power to impose taxes, issue bonds, and exercise limited eminent domain authority.