84R11272 JAM-D
By: Fletcher H.B. No. 3769
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the funding of certain transportation projects.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter H, Chapter 201, Transportation Code,
is amended by adding Section 201.623 to read as follows:
Sec. 201.623. PRIORITY CORRIDOR TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS.
(a) The department shall designate as priority corridors highways
or segments of highways in the state highway system that have
international importance.
(b) A transportation project in a priority corridor
designated under Subsection (a) must be given priority for
department resources, including available funding and staff time,
over other department projects.
SECTION 2. Sections 222.1075(a)(1) and (3), Transportation
Code, are amended to read as follows:
(1) "Port authority" means:
(A) a port authority or navigation district
created or operating under Section 52, Article III, or Section 59,
Article XVI, Texas Constitution; or
(B) a municipality containing an inland port.
(3) "Port project" means a project that is necessary
or convenient for the proper operation of an inland port or a
maritime port or waterway and that will improve the security,
movement, and intermodal transportation of cargo or passengers in
commerce and trade, including dredging, disposal, and other
projects.
SECTION 3. Section 222.1075, Transportation Code, is
amended by adding Subsection (n) to read as follows:
(n) Notwithstanding any other law, a port commission may
designate a port authority transportation reinvestment zone for a
port project located outside the boundaries of the port authority
if:
(1) the port commission finds that:
(A) the project will benefit the property and
residents located in the zone; and
(B) the creation of the zone will serve a public
purpose of the designating authority;
(2) a zone has been designated for the same project by
one or more authorities in whose boundaries the project is located;
and
(3) an agreement for joint support of the designated
zones is entered into under this section by:
(A) the authority whose boundaries do not contain
the project; and
(B) one or more of the authorities that have
designated a zone for the project and in whose boundaries the
project is located.
SECTION 4. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2015.