Relating to the allocation of grants from the transportation infrastructure fund.
The bill is expected to significantly impact the distribution of state funds for transportation infrastructure by prioritizing counties involved in the oil and gas sector. This alignment with energy production metrics aims to enhance infrastructure in areas that support the energy economy. By adjusting the percentages allocated to these counties based on their production capabilities and waste management, the bill presents an approach focused on the growth of energy-related infrastructure.
House Bill 3371 pertains to the allocation of grants from the transportation infrastructure fund in Texas. The bill amends Section 256.103(b) of the Transportation Code to change how funds are distributed among counties designated as energy transportation reinvestment zones. The updates modify the percentages allocated based on specific metrics related to the oil and gas industry, such as weight tolerance permits, oil and gas production taxes, well completions, and the volume of waste injected into the ground.
While the bill intends to support counties actively engaged in the oil and gas industry, there may be concerns regarding the balance of infrastructure funding among regions with varying economic activities. Critics might argue that concentrating funding based on energy production metrics could overshadow the transportation needs of other areas. Stakeholders in non-energy regions may view this as a tilt in favor of energy-centric areas, potentially hindering equitable infrastructure development statewide.