Texas Senate Bill SB84

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

• Filed: 11/14/16

Caption

Relating to a pilot project for financing certain Texas Department of Transportation projects.

Impact

If enacted, SB84 is poised to significantly impact state transportation financing structures by allowing the creation of economic impact zones that are explicitly tied to highway projects. This means that as sales tax revenues increase in the regions surrounding these projects, those funds could be reinvested back into the project, thereby facilitating quicker and potentially more financially stable project completions. The bill outlines that funds may be allocated for construction, development, debt repayment, and maintenance of the selected highway project, thus reinforcing financial assurance for the successful execution of infrastructure developments.

Summary

Senate Bill 84 seeks to establish a pilot project for financing specific highway projects within the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). The bill permits TxDOT to select one nontolled highway project under a design-build contract which can be financed using revenue derived from transportation reinvestment zones and economic impact zones. The aim of SB84 is to innovate within the funding mechanism for transportation projects by tapping into increased state sales tax revenues generated within designated economic zones associated with the projects.

Contention

While the bill aims to improve financing for infrastructure projects, it is essential to consider potential points of contention that may arise. Concerns could be raised regarding the reliance on projected increases in state sales tax revenue, which may not materialize as anticipated. Additionally, the obligations placed upon municipalities to manage rights-of-way and utility relocations may create disparities in local capacities to fund and execute such projects. Critics could argue that the framework laid out in SB84 could lead to inequities in funding and project accessibility across various regions, particularly where local governments may have varying levels of financial and logistical resources to comply with these requirements.