The bill, S.B. No. 2226, amends the Transportation Code to establish specific requirements for loans or grants provided by the Texas Transportation Commission to aviation facilities located in economically disadvantaged counties. The amendments to Section 21.105(b) stipulate that before approving a loan or grant, the commission must ensure that the airport or facility remains under the control of the involved political subdivisions for at least 20 years, that the political subdivision discloses the funding sources and its ability to finance and operate the project, and that the project is adequately planned.

A significant change introduced by the bill is the adjustment of the funding requirements for projects in economically disadvantaged counties. Specifically, it mandates that at least 10 percent of the total project cost must be provided by sources other than the state, but if the airport is located in an economically disadvantaged county, this requirement is reduced to 5 percent. This bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Transportation Code 21.105 (Transportation Code 21)
Senate Committee Report: Transportation Code 21.105 (Transportation Code 21)
Engrossed: Transportation Code 21.105 (Transportation Code 21)