Bill > SB1555

This bill establishes a new grant program through the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to fund railroad grade separation projects aimed at improving public safety, supporting economic development, and reducing traffic. The program will provide grants to political subdivisions for two specific types of projects: (1) grade separation projects at railroad and public roadway intersections that are not part of the state highway system, and (2) grade separation projects at railroad and public pedestrian crossings. To be eligible for a grant, political subdivisions must secure at least 10% of project costs from non-state sources, and grants will be approved by the Texas Transportation Commission. The funding for these grants can only come from legislative appropriations or external gifts and grants, with state highway funds explicitly prohibited from being used. Political subdivisions receiving grants must designate TxDOT to manage project contracting and construction, and the department will be required to follow state and federal procurement laws. The Texas Transportation Commission is mandated to adopt implementing rules by October 1, 2025, and the bill will take effect immediately if it receives a two-thirds vote in both legislative chambers, or on September 1, 2025, if it does not.

Budget and Finance, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB1555