Commissioner flags potential legislative impacts on county as state funding for FM roads shrinks

Commissioner Fletcher reported out from the Conference of Urban Counties meeting in Austin, flagging anticipated legislative changes that could affect county responsibilities. He told the court that the state's Unified Transportation Program (UTP) could drop from $4 billion to $1 billion, which would transfer maintenance obligations for many FM roads to counties without corresponding state funding.

"Obviously, a 75 percent decrease, is going to make an impact on the county," Commissioner Fletcher said, noting county governments may face increased maintenance burdens. He also noted proposed policy language on data centers and that the PUC had been expected to issue a report on recent approvals that could affect when new data centers may seek local approvals; Fletcher said additional legislation on data centers is likely in the next session.