Texas Senate Bill SB1708

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 4/18/11
• Introduced: 3/11/11
• Voted on by Senate: 4/28/11
• Refer: 3/23/11
• Report Pass: 4/18/11
• Engrossed: 4/28/11
• Refer: 4/29/11

Caption

Relating to certain comprehensive development agreements of regional mobility authorities.

Impact

By providing limited authority for regional mobility authorities to enter into comprehensive development agreements, SB1708 is poised to facilitate project execution more efficiently. The bill aims to eliminate certain restrictions that would otherwise hinder the commencement and completion of vital infrastructure projects. This legislative move is seen as a critical step toward improving regional connectivity and addressing transportation needs effectively.

Summary

Senate Bill 1708, filed in March 2011, seeks to amend the Texas Transportation Code specifically addressing comprehensive development agreements (CDAs) of regional mobility authorities. The bill allows these authorities to enter into such agreements for the construction of particular projects, with a focus on the 281 Connector Project, which connects U.S. Highway 281 to U.S. Highway 77/83. This legislative change reflects an effort to streamline and enhance the capacity of regional authorities to manage and execute significant transportation projects, thereby improving infrastructure within the state.

Contention

Although no specific points of contention were highlighted in the available records, generally, similar bills can lead to debates over the allocation of funds, transparency in contracts, and the implications for local jurisdiction in decision-making for infrastructure projects. Stakeholders may express varying views on the effectiveness and accountability of enhanced mobility authority powers, particularly in terms of long-term impacts on local communities and state funding priorities.