Sec. 370.187. PROJECT APPROVAL. (a) An authority may not begin construction of a transportation project that will connect to the state highway system or to a department rail facility without the approval of the commission.
(b) The commission by rule shall establish procedures and criteria for an approval under this section. The rules must require the commission to consider a request for project approval not later than the 60th day after the date the department receives all information reasonably necessary to review the request.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1325, Sec. 2.01, eff. June 21, 2003.
Sec. 370.188. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW OF AUTHORITY PROJECTS. (a) An authority shall adopt rules for environmental review of a transportation project that is not subject to review under the National Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. Section 4321 et seq.), as amended. The rules must:
(1) specify the types of projects for which a public hearing is required;
(2) establish procedures for public comment on the environmental review, including a procedure for requesting a public hearing on an environmental review for which a public hearing is not required; and
(3) require:
(A) an evaluation of any direct or indirect environmental effect of the project;
(B) an analysis of project alternatives; and
(C) a written report that briefly explains the authority's review of the project and that specifies any mitigation measures on environmental harm on which the project is conditioned.
(b) An environmental review of a project must be conducted before the authority may approve the location or alignment of the project.
(c) The authority shall consider the results of the environmental review in executing its duties.
(d) The authority shall coordinate with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and the Parks and Wildlife Department in the preparation of an environmental review.
(e) This section does not prohibit an owner of a public utility facility or a proposed public utility facility from conducting any necessary environmental evaluation for the public utility facility. The authority is entitled to review and give final approval regarding the sufficiency of any environmental evaluation conducted for a facility that is part of a transportation project.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1325, Sec. 2.01, eff. June 21, 2003.
Structure Texas Statutes
Subtitle G - Turnpikes and Toll Projects
Chapter 370 - Regional Mobility Authorities
Subchapter E. Acquisition, Construction, and Operation of Transportation Projects
Section 370.161. Transportation Projects Extending Into Other Counties
Section 370.162. Powers and Procedures of Authority in Acquiring Property
Section 370.163. Acquisition of Property
Section 370.164. Declaration of Taking
Section 370.165. Possession of Property
Section 370.166. Participation Payment for Real Property
Section 370.167. Severance of Real Property
Section 370.168. Acquisition of Rights in Public Real Property
Section 370.169. Compensation for and Restoration of Public Property
Section 370.170. Public Utility Facilities
Section 370.171. Lease, Sale, or Conveyance of Transportation Project
Section 370.173. Authority Revolving Fund
Section 370.174. Use of Surplus Revenue
Section 370.175. Exemption From Taxation or Assessment
Section 370.176. Actions Affecting Existing Roads
Section 370.177. Failure or Refusal to Pay Turnpike Project Toll; Offense; Administrative Penalty
Section 370.178. Use and Return of Transponders
Section 370.179. Controlled Access to Turnpike Projects
Section 370.180. Promotion of Transportation Project
Section 370.181. Operation of Transportation Project
Section 370.183. Disadvantaged Businesses
Section 370.185. Competitive Bidding
Section 370.186. Contracts With Governmental Entities
Section 370.187. Project Approval
Section 370.189. Department Maintenance and Operation
Section 370.190. Property of Certain Transportation Authorities
Section 370.191. Commercial Transportation Processing Systems