Applications Due Feb.7-14, Extension Request Filed
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) adopted the final rules on the County Transportation Infrastructure Fund Grant Program on Nov. 21, 2013. TxDOT also announced a narrow window, Feb. 7-14, for counties to submit an application to apply for grant funds. The Texas Transportation Commission received a legislative request to extend the application deadline to March 7-14, and as of press time was set to consider the request at its Jan. 30 meeting. Please monitor http://www.txdot.gov/government/funding/county-fund.html for the latest deadline information.
The State of Texas earmarked some $225 million to a transportation infrastructure fund via the 83rd Texas Legislature’s Senate Bill 1747. Oil- and gas-affected counties may be eligible for grant money from this fund for projects defined by the statute as “the planning for, construction of, reconstruction of, or maintenance of transportation infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and culverts, intended to alleviate degradation caused by the exploration, development, or production of oil or gas.”
The new legislation amends Chapter 256 of the Transportation Code and creates a Tax Infrastructure Fund (TIF) for County Energy Transportation Reinvestment Zones (CETRZ). The TIF is a dedicated fund in the state treasury outside of the state’s general fund.
TxDOT sent a notice of “Request for Application” to every county judge in the state. Applications are required to be submitted online at http://www.txdot.gov/government/funding/county-fund.html.
For additional information including a sample CETRZ order and frequently asked questions, please see pages 22-36 of the January issue of County Progress.