HB 1892: Livebloggint The Toll Road Debate

We’re finally able to do some liveblogging on HB 1892. This legislation would require that all money received by TxDOT or the Texas Transportation Commission under a comprehensive development agreement be used for transportation projects located in the district where the funds were obtained.

Mainly, though this bill gives a county primary responsibility for financing, constructing and operating of a toll project located in that county. TxDOT and TTC will assist by allowing a county to use highway right-of-way and to access the state highway system. In conjunction with the highway right-of-way a county must enter into an agreement with TxDOT or TTC. This bill does not limit the authority of TTC or TxDOT to participate in the cost of a turnpike project.

Also, before TxDOT or TTC can enter into a contract for a proposed or existing toll project, TxDOT and TTC must first offer the county the option to finance, construct or operate the portion of the toll project located in the county. This agreement must be without requirement of any payment to TxDOT or TTC and must be consistent with county procedures.

Eye on Williamson has done liveblogging for most of the debate, and we’re picking up about 6:26 p.m. Click refresh for updates (below the jump).

6:35 p.m.: One more amendment being scanned in.

6:34 p.m.: Amendment by Hartnett. Adds immediate effect if 2/3rds vote. Adopted.

6:38 p.m. Hill has an amendment. Any county w/ a population of over 250,000 can participate in all portions of the bill. Another nail in the coffin of TTC roads. Kolkhorst is asking if this effects the moratorium or the TTC. He says no.

Hill is now taking questions on this.

6:46: Coleman is now up with questions. He’s asking about counties that don’t have the experience in operating toll roads as Dallas or Harris Counties.

Hill says yes but note it doesn’t specify toll roads, but rather alignment and use.

Coleman points out that the right of way could end up not being used for the purpose it was intended.

Another amendment that would make it all counties of 2,000 or more.

7:01 p.m. Bohac has an amendment about hybrid vehicle insignia to let hybrid vehicles drive in HOV lanes free of charge.

7:07: now on to final passage on second reading. Krusee is up closing. Krusse is whining about the gas tax having to be increased (not true) without toll roads. Typical “the sky is falling” rhetoric.

7:17 p.m.: Record vote.  123-17 THE BILL IS ADOPTED, 2 PNV. Applause following this one.

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