HB 3727

relating to a grant program to fund certain railroad grade
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1.  Chapter 471, Transportation Code, is amended by
adding Section 471.010 to read as follows:
Sec. 471.010.  GRANT PROGRAM FOR CERTAIN RAILROAD GRADE
SEPARATION PROJECTS.  (a)  For the purpose of increasing public
safety, enhancing economic development, and reducing traffic, the
department shall establish and administer a program to award grants
to political subdivisions of this state or railroad companies to
(1)  rail-roadway grade separation projects that are
located at intersections of railroads and roadways that are not
part of the state highway system; and
(2)  rail-pedestrian grade separation projects that
are located at intersections of railroads and pedestrian crossings.
(b)  A political subdivision or railroad company may use
money awarded by the department under this section as matching
funds to secure additional funding for a grade separation project
(c)  Each grant awarded under this section must be approved
by the commission.  The commission may not approve a grant under
this section unless the commission determines that:
(1)  at least 10 percent of the total project costs will
be provided by a source other than the state; or
(2)  if the grant money is being used as matching funds
under Subsection (b), at least 10 percent of the amount used as
matching funds will be provided by a source other than the state.
(d)  The department may fund the grant program under this
section only from money appropriated by the legislature for that
purpose and from gifts and grants, including grants from the
federal government.  The department may solicit and accept gifts
and grants from any source for the purposes of this section.  Money
deposited to the credit of the state highway fund may not be used to
fund a grant awarded under this section.
(e)  The commission shall adopt rules as necessary to
SECTION 2.  Not later than October 1, 2025, the Texas
Transportation Commission shall adopt the rules required by Section
471.010, Transportation Code, as added by this Act.
SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2025.