2023S0013-1 01/06/23
By: Blanco S.B. No. 848
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the development and operation by a regional mobility
authority of an urban green space or aesthetic enhancement located
above, adjacent to, or connected to an interstate highway.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 370.003(14), Transportation Code, is
amended to read as follows:
(14) "Transportation project" means:
(A) a turnpike project;
(B) a system;
(C) a passenger or freight rail facility,
including:
(i) tracks;
(ii) a rail line;
(iii) switching, signaling, or other
operating equipment;
(iv) a depot;
(v) a locomotive;
(vi) rolling stock;
(vii) a maintenance facility; and
(viii) other real and personal property
associated with a rail operation;
(D) a roadway with a functional classification
greater than a local road or rural minor collector;
(D-1) a bridge;
(E) a ferry;
(F) an airport, other than an airport that on
September 1, 2005, was served by one or more air carriers engaged in
scheduled interstate transportation, as those terms were defined by
14 C.F.R. Section 1.1 on that date;
(G) a pedestrian or bicycle facility;
(H) an intermodal hub;
(I) an automated conveyor belt for the movement
of freight;
(J) a border crossing inspection station,
including:
(i) a border crossing inspection station
located at or near an international border crossing; and
(ii) a border crossing inspection station
located at or near a border crossing from another state of the
United States and not more than 50 miles from an international
border;
(K) an air quality improvement initiative;
(L) a public utility facility;
(M) a transit system;
(M-1) a parking area, structure, or facility, or
a collection device for parking fees;
(N) if applicable, projects and programs listed
in the most recently approved state implementation plan for the
area covered by the authority, including an early action compact;
(O) improvements in a transportation
reinvestment zone designated under Subchapter E, Chapter 222;
(P) port security, transportation, or facility
projects eligible for funding under Section 55.002; [and]
(Q) an aerial cable car or aerial tramway for the
transportation of persons or property, or both, that is located in
the jurisdiction of an authority created under Section 370.031(c);
and
(R) an urban green space or aesthetic enhancement
located above, adjacent to, or connected to an interstate highway,
which may include:
(i) recreational, bicycle, and pedestrian
facilities;
(ii) an intermodal hub;
(iii) parking areas; and
(iv) components that will benefit users of
transit, pedestrian, and other transportation modes, and promote
economic development in areas on or adjacent to the urban green
space or aesthetic enhancement.
SECTION 2. 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, 2023.