2009 State Legislative Session Soon to Begin
The next session of the Texas Legislature will soon be underway. The Texas Department of Transportation (T xDOT) stands to receive a good deal of attention this time, particularly in light of the recent completion of a “Sunset review” of the agency. All state agencies undergo a Sunset review every 12 years and this year was our turn. The legislature will be looking at the review to determine what changes should occur for TxDOT.
No significant changes in aviation responsibilities or programs are anticipated. However, an initiative lead by the Texas Airports Council appears to be gaining support.
The initiative is patterned after a successful effort by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPW) during the 73rd Legislature in 1993 to establish special accounts within the general revenue fund generated from certain sales, excise and use taxes to TPW.
Their idea is to redirect the revenue currently being collected on aviation-related sales and franchise taxes from the general fund into a TxDOT fund dedicated solely for the purpose of providing airport development grants for publicly owned airports in Texas. The money would be used to supplement the existing FAA and state grant programs for general aviation and air carrier airports throughout the state. The Texas Airports Council has made this effort a primary legislative issue for the upcoming session.
Is Federal Stimulus Money on the Way?
We continue to hear talk of federal “stimulus money” to get the economy moving again. If that does occur, transportation stands to be a major recipient for funds to improve and maintain our nation’s infrastructure. Our highway and aviation improvement programs are falling further and further behind due to increases in construction costs as well as many other factors. Certainly, any new source of transportation funding would be welcomed.
