Texas House Bill HCR65

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Encouraging the Texas Department of Transportation to develop and support signature trail and active transportation network projects.

Impact

The resolution proposes that TxDOT leverage existing federal funds designated for nonmotorized transportation to finance these projects, which could amount to between $8 million and $80 million. It also mandates that the state identify additional funding sources to cover up to 20% of project costs while limiting local contributions to no more than 5%. This financial framework aims to facilitate the construction of these paths while ensuring that local governments are not overly burdened by funding obligations.

Summary

HCR65 is a Concurrent Resolution that encourages the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to develop and support a statewide multi-use pathway network. The resolution highlights the findings from the 2018 Texas Bicycle Tourism Trails Study, which suggests significant benefits from a well-designed trail network that can be utilized for both cycling and walking. The study points out that these multi-use paths can greatly enhance local economies by increasing tourism and allowing cyclists to contribute to local spending, as well as improving property values in the vicinity of such trails.

Contention

One of the notable points of contention surrounding HCR65 is the prioritization of safety for all road users, which is essential given the diverse age range of potential users from 8 to 80 years old. Additionally, the resolution stipulates that projects should span multiple municipalities or counties, raising potential debates about jurisdiction and resource allocation among local governments. Supporters argue that a unified statewide approach is necessary to maximize the benefits of these pathways, while opponents may express concerns regarding the prioritization of urban over rural locations or the distribution of funds among differing community needs.