September 22, 2023, Number 38

  
Download the full .pdf version here: TML Legislative Update Number 38

Resolutions Submitted for Consideration at the 2023 Annual Conference and Your City Delegate

Several cities submitted legislative resolutions for consideration at the 2023 TML Annual Conference in Dallas. The topics relate, among other things, to:

1. Emergency Service Districts
2. Rural Water Supply Corporations
3. TxDOT Toll Road Improvement Projects
4. Legal Notices
5. TML Member Services Fees

The full resolutions packet can be found here. The resolutions will be debated at the TML business meeting on October 5 at 3:30 p.m. An additional resolution relating to the TML Constitution may be added to the packet after a Tuesday TML Board meeting at the Conference.

Each city is entitled to one voting delegate at the business meeting. The delegate isn’t required to have any expertise, and an elected official delegate is encouraged but not required. The delegate can sign up electronically here prior to the meeting or sign up in person at a table outside of the meeting room. Cities are encouraged to sign up their delegate early using the link above.

All city officials are welcome to attend the meeting, whether or not they are a voting delegate.

Federal Infrastructure Bill Update

In November 2021, the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) was signed into law. The IIJA is altogether a $1.2 trillion bill that will invest in the nation’s core infrastructure priorities including roads, bridges, rail, transit, airports, ports, energy transmission, water systems, and broadband.

The League will monitor state and federal agencies and work with the National League of Cities (NLC) to access the latest information relating to the IIJA. We will provide periodic updates in the Legislative Update on resources for Texas cities on how to access IIJA funding for local infrastructure projects. 

United States Department of Transportation (USDOT)

The USDOT is accepting applications for its $1 billion Airport Terminal Program (ATP). The ATP will provide funding to help upgrade, modernize, and rebuild airport facilities and air traffic control towers nationwide. Eligible projects include: 

• bringing existing airport facilities into conformity with current standards; 
• constructing, modifying, or expanding facilities to meet demonstrated aeronautical demand;
• enhancing environmental sustainability;
• encouraging actual and potential aeronautical competition; and
• providing a balanced nationwide system of airports necessary to support national civil aeronautical demand.

To receive funding, an eligible project must involve:

(1) an airport terminal development (defined by 49 U.S.C. § 47102(28);

(2) on-airport rail access project (defined by Passenger Facility Charge Update 75-21); or 

(3) relocating, reconstructing, repairing, or improving an airport-owned air traffic control tower. 

The applicant must also be able to justify the project based on civil aeronautical demand. USDOT will give favorable consideration to eligible projects to increase passenger capacity and access, replace aging infrastructure, comply with ADA requirements, expand airport access for historically disadvantaged populations, enhance energy efficiency, and improve airfield safety.

The ATP is open to airport sponsors normally eligible for funding through the USDOT Airport Improvement Program, which includes state and local governmental entities.

City officials can find more information about the ATP program here.

Applications must be received by 4:59:59 PM CST on October 16, 2023. 

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