bill creating grants for neighborhoods hurt by highway construction

The text as introduced · 398 words

89R14945 RDR-F

By: Cook
S.B. No. 2092

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to establishing a highway construction mitigation program

for certain highway construction projects.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Subchapter H, Chapter 201, Transportation Code,

is amended by adding Section 201.626 to read as follows:

Sec. 201.626. HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION MITIGATION PROGRAM. (a)

In this section:

(1) "Highway construction mitigation program" means

the highway construction mitigation program established under this

section.

(2) "Highway construction project" means a project

involving the construction, maintenance, demolition, or

improvement of a state highway.

(b) For the purpose of mitigating the negative effects of a

highway construction project on adjacent neighborhoods, the

department by rule shall establish and implement a highway

construction mitigation program to fund projects that:

(1) reduce the impact of dust and noise from a highway

construction project and mitigate air quality issues caused by a

highway construction project;

(2) reduce the impact of adverse environmental

consequences caused by a highway construction project;

(3) relocate fencing or other property structures as

necessary to accommodate a highway construction project; and

(4) restore or repair damage caused by a highway

construction project to structures or fixtures located 500 feet or

less from the highway construction project.

(c) The highway construction mitigation program must

provide grants to eligible applicants to fund projects described by

Subsection (b). For purposes of the highway construction

mitigation program, an eligible applicant includes:

(1) the owner of a single-family home or duplex

located 500 feet or less from a highway construction project;

(2) the owner of a multi-family home located 500 feet

or less from a highway construction project;

(3) a religious organization that qualifies under

Section 11.20, Tax Code, that owns a structure located 500 feet or

less from a highway construction project; or

(4) a public school district in which a public school

campus is located 500 feet or less from a highway construction

project.

(d) A metropolitan planning organization or local authority

shall ensure that the department provides highway construction

mitigation program services for each highway construction project

occurring within the boundaries of the organization or authority.

SECTION 2. Notwithstanding Section 201.626, Transportation

Code, as added by this Act, the Texas Department of Transportation

is not required to comply with that section before January 1, 2026.

SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.