Proposing a constitutional amendment to authorize certain counties to perform private road construction.
Impact
The amendment could significantly impact how local governments in Texas, particularly those in rural areas, manage road development and maintenance. By allowing these counties to construct private roads, the state empowers them to generate additional revenue that could then be reinvested in public road construction and maintenance projects. This presents a potential benefit to local economies, enabling them to better address transportation needs and infrastructure deficiencies specific to their regions.
Summary
HJR137 proposes an amendment to the Texas Constitution that would authorize certain counties to engage in the construction and maintenance of private roads. Specifically, it allows counties with a population of 7,500 or less, as determined by the most recent federal census, to undertake road projects for private entities, provided they impose a reasonable charge for the work performed. This measure is designed to expand the capabilities of smaller counties to manage road infrastructure more effectively.
Contention
However, there could be points of contention surrounding this amendment. Some lawmakers and local officials may express concerns regarding the implications of allowing local governments to divert resources toward private road projects. There might be apprehension that the authorization could lead to misuse of funds or an imbalance in priorities, with public roads potentially receiving less attention. Furthermore, debates might arise over the fairness of imposing charges for private road construction and how this could affect residents and landowners in the affected counties.
Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the use of money in the state highway fund for roadways for seaports, airports, spaceports, land ports of entry, and international bridges.
Proposing a constitutional amendment to require that future constitutional amendments become effective only if approved by a majority of the voters in at least three-fourths of the counties of the state.