HBA-NRS H.B. 2522 77(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 2522
By: Wilson
Transportation
7/19/2001
Enrolled



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

With the closing of Robert Mueller Airport in Austin, an additional venue
for air travel in Central Texas has been eliminated. House Bill 2522
requires the Texas Department of Transportation to establish and maintain a
state airport in Central Texas.  

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does
not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, department, agency, or institution. 

ANALYSIS

House Bill 2522 amends the Transportation Code to require the Texas
Department of Transportation (TxDOT), in consultation with the State
Aircraft Pooling Board, to establish a state airport in Central Texas that
is open to the general public. In determining an appropriate location for
the airport, the bill requires TxDOT to consider factors relating to air
travel in Central Texas and the safe operation of aircraft flying into and
departing from the Central Texas region. The bill prohibits TxDOT from
considering Robert Mueller Airport or from considering certain other
property without the approval of the governing body of a municipality or
the commissioners court of a county. The bill authorizes the Texas
Transportation Commission (TTC) to acquire by the exercise of eminent
domain property that TTC considers necessary to enable TxDOT to establish a
state airport in Central Texas. The bill sets forth specific funding
sources for the establishment of this facility. The bill grants TxDOT all
the powers necessary or appropriate to implement the establishment of this
facility. The bill requires TxDOT to contract with a private entity or a
county or municipality for the long-term management, operation, and
maintenance of the facility and requires such a contract to comply with all
applicable Federal Aviation Agency regulations. 

EFFECTIVE DATE

June 15, 2001.