Relating to providing funding for constructing, maintaining, and acquiring rights-of-way for public roadways other than toll roads; making appropriations.
Impact
The enactment of HB 15 would significantly affect the financing of public infrastructure projects across Texas. It sets a precedent for allocating state funds towards non-toll roadways, which can improve accessibility for residents and facilitate smoother transportation networks. With the appropriation aimed specifically at public roadways, the bill could potentially lessen the financial burdens on local municipalities that may struggle with related maintenance costs, thereby allowing them to focus resources on other pressing community needs.
Summary
House Bill 15 aims to provide substantial funding specifically dedicated to constructing, maintaining, and acquiring rights-of-way for public roadways that are not toll roads in Texas. The bill proposes an appropriation of $630 million from the general revenue fund for the state fiscal biennium beginning September 1, 2013, to be utilized exclusively by the Texas Department of Transportation. The intention behind this funding is to enhance public infrastructure, ensuring that roadways are adequately supported and up to necessary safety standards, which are crucial for the state's economic and community development.
Sentiment
Overall sentiment regarding HB 15 appears to be positive among proponents who emphasize the importance of maintaining effective transportation infrastructure. Supporters view the funding as vital for fostering economic development and supporting safety on public roads. However, there may be underlying concerns about the long-term sustainability of funding models and whether such allocations in the state budget can be maintained or increased in the future in light of other funding needs.
Contention
While many stakeholders acknowledge the necessity of supporting public roadways, discussions surrounding HB 15 may include reservations about prioritization of road funding over other equally critical areas such as public transportation, education, and health services. Some may argue that while the bill addresses immediate infrastructure needs, it does not comprehensively reflect a multimodal transportation strategy that includes public transit solutions, potentially leaving gaps in overall transportation policy.
Proposing a constitutional amendment creating the state school safety fund to provide ongoing financial support for projects that ensure the safety of public schools in this state and providing for the transfer of certain general revenues to that fund, the economic stabilization fund, and the state highway fund.
Proposing a constitutional amendment providing for the creation of the Texas severance tax revenue and oil and natural gas (Texas STRONG) defense fund, dedicating the money in that fund to benefit areas of the state significantly affected by oil and gas production, and providing for the transfer of certain general revenues to that fund, the economic stabilization fund, the state highway fund, the oil and gas regulation and cleanup account, the Texas emissions reduction plan fund, and the property tax relief fund.
Proposing a constitutional amendment providing for the creation of and use of money in the Grow Texas fund and allocating certain general revenues to that fund, the economic stabilization fund, and the state highway fund.
Proposing a constitutional amendment providing for the creation of the Texas land and water conservation fund to assist in preserving critical natural resources in this state.
Proposing a constitutional amendment providing for the creation of the Texas legacy fund and the Texas legacy distribution fund, dedicating the Texas legacy distribution fund to certain state infrastructure projects or the reduction of certain long-term obligations, and providing for the transfer of certain general revenues to the economic stabilization fund, the Texas legacy fund, and the state highway fund.
Relating to the establishment of the Texas Energy Insurance Program and other funding mechanisms to support the construction and operation of electric generating facilities.