Bill > SB2226

This bill modifies the requirements for loans or grants provided by the Texas Transportation Commission to aviation facilities, specifically addressing projects in economically disadvantaged counties. Currently, the commission requires that before approving a loan or grant, an airport or facility must remain under the control of involved political subdivisions for at least 20 years, disclose project funding sources, and demonstrate financial ability to operate the project. The bill changes the funding contribution requirement from a standard 10 percent of total project costs from sources other than the state to a tiered approach: for airports in non-economically disadvantaged counties, the 10 percent contribution remains unchanged, while for airports in economically disadvantaged counties (as defined in Section 222.053), the contribution requirement is reduced to five percent. This change aims to make funding more accessible for aviation facilities in counties with limited economic resources, potentially helping to improve transportation infrastructure in areas that might otherwise struggle to secure funding. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.