TITLE transportation

Part I. Texas Department of Transportation

Chapter 2. Environmental Policy

Subchapter D. Public Participation Programs

43 TAC §§2.61, 2.62, 2.71

The Texas Department of Transportation proposes amendments to §2.61 and §2.62, and proposes new §2.71 concerning the Adopt-an-Airport Program.

EXPLANATION OF PROPOSED AMENDMENTS AND NEW SECTION

The Texas Department of Transportation presently has various antilitter and beautification programs, including Adopt-a-Highway, Adopt-a-Freeway, Landscaping, and Cost Sharing. New §2.71 will allow private citizens an opportunity to support the department's programs by adopting an airport for the purposes of beautifying and creating a better image and enhancing public awareness for the airport. The new section outlines the eligibility requirements, application procedures, provisions of the agreement, responsibilities of the group adopting the airport and the department, general limiting conditions of the program, and any modification, renewal, or termination of the agreement.

With proposing new §2.71, it is also necessary to amend §2.61 and §2.62 to update and revise the sections to include airports for litter pickup, routine maintenance, and landscaping, and to amend and add definitions and references to the Adopt-an-Airport Program. Also, §2.62, Definitions, is being numbered to conform to Texas Register form and style.

FISCAL NOTE

James Bass, Budget and Forecasting Branch Manager, Finance Division, has determined that for the first five-year period the amendments are in effect, there will be no significant fiscal implications for state or local governments as a result of enforcing or administering the amendments. There are no significant anticipated economic costs for persons required to comply with the amendments and new section as proposed.

David Fulton, Director, Aviation Division has certified that there should be a positive impact on local economies or overall employment as a result of enforcing or administering the amendments and new section.

PUBLIC BENEFIT

Mr. Fulton has also determined that for each year of the first five years that the amendments and new section are in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the sections will be to enhance the department's maintenance, antilitter and beautification programs, and to enhance the utility of the state's airport system by allowing the adoption of an airport. There will be no effect on small businesses.

SUBMITTAL OF COMMENTS

Written comments on the proposed amendments and new section may be submitted to David Fulton, Director, Aviation Division, Texas Department of Transportation, 125 East 11th Street, Austin, Texas 78701-2483. The deadline for receipt of written comments is 5:00 p.m. on August 9, 1999.

STATUTORY AUTHORITY

The amendments and new section are proposed under Transportation Code, §201.101, which provides the Texas Transportation Commission with the authority to promulgate rules for the conduct of the work of the Texas Department of Transportation; and more specifically, Transportation Code, §21.054, which provides the department with the authority to contract as necessary or advisable to encourage and assist the development of aeronautics.

No statutes, articles, or codes are affected by the proposed amendments and new section.

§2.61. Purpose and Scope.

In order to increase public awareness of the maintenance needs of the state highway and airport systems [ system ], improve the aesthetics of state highways and airports , and maximize the use of taxpayer revenue, it is the policy of the Texas Transportation Commission to encourage public participation in the maintenance , [ and ] landscaping , and beautification of the state highway and airport systems [ system ] through the creation of programs whereby local governments and private entities may adopt safety rest areas , [ or ] sections of the state highway system , or airports for litter pickup, routine maintenance, [ and ] landscaping , and beautification . The sections under this subchapter govern the operation of these programs.

§2.62. Definitions.

The following words and terms, when used in this subchapter, shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

(1)

Adopted area - A safety rest area approved for adoption by a donor.

(2)

Adopted section - A section of state highway right of way or an airport [ right-of-way ] approved for adoption by a group.

(3)

Airport - A publicly-owned airport that is included in the Texas Airport System Plan (TASP).

(4)

Aviation Division - A division of the department.

(5)

Authorized representative - An individual with the authority to sign agreements for the group or donor.

(6)

Commission - The Texas Transportation Commission.

(7)

Department - The Texas Department of Transportation.

(8)

Design fee - Those engineering or project administration costs or expenses identified prior to the construction of a project.

(9)

District - One of the 25 geographical areas, managed by a district engineer, in which the department conducts its primary work activities.

(10)

District engineer - The chief executive officer in charge of a district, or his or her designee.

(11)

Donor - The private business or civic organization which adopts a safety rest area under the Adopt-an-Area Program or donates funds or services to a local government for the purpose of participating in the Landscape Cost Sharing or Adopt-a-Freeway Programs.

(12)

Family member - Any spouse, sibling, parent, stepparent, grandparent, child, stepchild, aunt, uncle or cousin.

(13)

Group - An entity that adopts a section of state highway right of way or an airport [ right-of-way ].

(14)

Highway landscaping - A project design intent which attempts to provide primarily for the installation of native, naturalized, or adapted plant material within the project limits.

(15)

Local government - A city or county.

(16)

Non-cash contributions - The agreed value of labor, equipment, material, or design services furnished by a local government, and the agreed value of material and design services furnished by the donor in support of the project.

(17)

Pedestrian landscaping - A project design intent which requires the installation of elements oriented primarily to pedestrian usage, including, but not limited to, parking, curbs, sidewalks, pavers, ramps for the disabled, cycling or jogging trails, benches, trash receptacles, or illumination.

(18)

Project concept plan - The preliminary sketches, drawings, details, estimates, and specifications required by the department to illustrate the type of project development and establishment proposed by the local government, and as required for the department to determine if the proposed project is a highway landscaping project or a pedestrian landscaping project.

(19)

Project design plan - The final drawings, details, specifications, and estimates, whether furnished by or through the local government or the department as may be required by the department to fully control the work to be performed on the project.

(20)

Project development - The initial construction and installation of the landscape items in accordance with the project design plan.

(21)

Project establishment - The landscape maintenance activities required to ensure the viability, upkeep, and continued effectiveness of the project.

(22)

Project maintenance - The activities performed as determined by the program agreement to ensure the establishment, upkeep, and continued effectiveness of the project.

(23)

Safety rest area - A roadside park, equipped with restroom facilities, intended to improve highway safety by providing a location for motorists to rest and recover from highway travel, such term to include a safety rest area adjacent to travel information centers.

(24)

Sponsor - A local government or other public entity that owns or operates an airport.

§2.71. Adopt-an-Airport Program.

(a)

Purpose. The Adopt-an-Airport Program (Program) allows private citizens an opportunity to support the department's beautification programs by adopting an airport for the purposes of beautifying and creating a better image and enhancing public awareness for the airport. This section sets forth policies and procedures to be used in administering the Program.

(b)

Participation.

(1)

Airport.

(A)

Only publicly-owned airports included in the Texas Airport System Plan (TASP) are eligible to participate in the Adopt-an-Airport Program.

(B)

Eligible airports shall execute an agreement with the department to define their respective responsibilities before the airport may be adopted.

(2)

Groups.

(A)

The following groups are eligible to participate in the Program:

(i)

members or employees of civic and nonprofit organizations;

(ii)

employees of private businesses and governmental entities; and

(iii)

families.

(B)

To be eligible a group must be located or reside in the city or county in which the adopted airport is located.

(c)

Application.

(1)

The authorized representative of a group that desires to participate, or to continue to participate, in the program shall submit an application to the district engineer of the district in which the airport to be adopted is located.

(2)

The application shall be in a form prescribed by the department and shall at a minimum include:

(A)

the date of application;

(B)

the name and complete mailing address, including street address, of the group;

(C)

the name, telephone number, and complete mailing address of the group's authorized representative;

(D)

the name of the airport the group is interested in adopting; and

(E)

what activities the applicant proposes for maintenance or beautification.

(3)

If the group meets the criteria of this section, the district engineer will approve the adoption unless he or she determines that to do so would endanger the traveling public, or otherwise not be in the best interest of the airport.

(d)

Agreement.

(1)

If the district engineer approves the application submitted by the group under subsection (c) of this section, the authorized representative of that group shall execute a written agreement with the sponsor and the department providing for the group's participation in the Program.

(2)

The agreement shall be in the form prescribed by the department and shall include:

(A)

an acknowledgment by the group of the possible hazardous nature of the work involved in participating in the Program;

(B)

an acknowledgment that the members of the group agree jointly and severally to be bound by and comply with the terms of the agreement; and

(C)

a statement of the respective responsibilities of the group and the department as contained in subsection (e) of this section.

(e)

Responsibilities of group and department.

(1)

Groups must:

(A)

appoint or select an authorized representative to serve as spokesperson for the group;

(B)

obey and abide by all laws and regulations relating to safety and such other terms and conditions as may be required by the sponsor and the department for special conditions on a particular adopted airport;

(C)

furnish adequate supervision by one or more adults for participants of a group who are 15 years of age or younger;

(D)

conduct at least one safety meeting per year and ensure participants of the group attend a safety meeting before participating in the beautification of the adopted airport;

(E)

adopt an airport for a minimum period of two years;

(F)

pick up litter a minimum of four times a year and at such additional times as required by the sponsor or the department, if the group's responsibility is controlling and reducing litter;

(G)

obtain required supplies and materials from the sponsor or the department during regular business hours;

(H)

wear department furnished safety vests during the tasks being performed;

(I)

place litter in trash bags furnished by the department and place filled trash bags at locations as determined by the sponsor or the department, if the group's responsibility is controlling and reducing litter;

(J)

return all unused materials and supplies to the sponsor or the department within one week following cleanup unless the materials and supplies are necessary for continued beautification;

(K)

neither possess nor consume alcoholic beverages while on the adopted airport; and

(L)

maintain a first-aid kit and adequate drinking water while on the adopted airport.

(2)

The department will:

(A)

work with the group and the sponsor to determine the specific tasks to be performed;

(B)

erect a sign on the closest highway right of way, normally near the airport pointer sign, with the group's name or acronym displayed;

(C)

provide safety vests, trashbags, and safety literature;

(D)

remove the filled trashbags after the pickup; and

(E)

remove litter from the adopted section only under unusual circumstances, such as removal of large, heavy, or hazardous items.

(f)

General limiting conditions. The Program is subject to the following conditions.

(1)

The department may consider such factors as airport size and activity, geometrics, congestion, and visability restrictions in determining which airports shall be eligible for adoption.

(2)

If any actions are determined to be contrary to any legislative restrictions on the use of appropriated funds for political activities, the department, at its sole discretion may take any and all necessary remedial actions, including, but not limited to, the removal of signs displaying the group's name or acronym.

(3)

Adopt-an-Airport signs shall be four feet by four feet and shall be the least expensive and most effective for each situation. A sign will not state the full name or official title of an elected official.

(4)

A group may not subcontract or assign its responsibilities to any other group, organization, or enterprise without the express written authorization of the department.

(5)

The department shall not have the right to control the group in performing the agreed upon tasks and/or of picking up litter from the airport adopted by the group; and, in picking up litter, the group shall act as an independent contractor.

(g)

Modification/renewal/termination of the agreement. The agreement may be modified in any manner at the discretion of the department. The group will have the option of renewing the agreement subject to the approval of the department and the sponsor, and the continuation of the Program. The department may terminate the agreement and remove the signs upon 30-day notice, if in its sole judgment it finds and determines that the group is not meeting the terms and conditions of the agreement.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on June 28, 1999.

TRD-9903816

Richard Monroe

General Counsel

Texas Department of Transportation

Earliest possible date of adoption: August 8, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 463-8630


Chapter 4. Employment Practices

Subchapter C. Conditional Grant Programs

43 TAC §4.25

The Texas Department of Transportation proposes amendments to §4.25, concerning the conditional grant program.

EXPLANATION OF PROPOSED AMENDMENTS

Education Code, Chapter 56, Subchapter I, requires the department to establish and administer a conditional grant program to provide financial assistance to women and minority students who intend to work for the department. Education Code, §56.144, requires the department to promulgate rules for the selection of applicants for grants.

The amendments to §4.25 strengthen the default repayment procedures in order to discourage students from defaulting on their agreement with the department. Currently, students have up to 10 years to repay funds without interest, and are required to pay as little as $20 per month. The amendments decrease the amount of time allowed for repayment and increase the minimum payment to $50. Students who received grants for four years or more will be required to repay in 120 equal monthly installments. Students who received grants for three years, but less than four years will be required to pay in 96 equal monthly installments, and those who received grants for two years, but less than three years, will be required to repay in 72 equal monthly installments. Students who received grants for less than two years will be required to repay in 48 equal monthly installments. The amendments also require a student who completes a degree but does not go to work for the department after graduation to begin repayments three months subsequent to the determination of default and to pay a minimum monthly installment of $200. The department will waive repayment of any remaining amounts for a student who defaults and makes the required payments according to the established repayment schedule if the student graduates with an eligible degree and honors the original agreement to work for the department. The student must adhere to the repayment schedule until the student begins employment with the department.

The amendments also provide that the department will notify the appropriate credit bureaus or agencies if a student fails to repay the department or fails to adhere to the terms of the conditional grant agreement.

FISCAL NOTE

James Bass, Budget and Forecasting Branch Manager, has determined that for the first five-year period the amendments are in effect, there will be no fiscal implications for state or local governments as a result of enforcing or administering the section. There are no anticipated economic costs for persons required to comply with the section as proposed.

Diana L. Isabel, Director, Human Resources Division, has certified that there will be no significant impact on local economies or overall employment as a result of enforcing or administering the section.

PUBLIC BENEFIT

Ms. Isabel has also determined that for each year of the first five years the amendments are in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of the amendments will be to reduce the student default rate. There will be no effect on small businesses.

SUBMITTAL OF COMMENTS

Written comments on the proposed amendments may be submitted to Diana L. Isabel, Human Resources Director, 125 East 11th Street, Austin, Texas 78701-2483. The deadline for receipt of comments will be 5:00 p.m. on August 9, 1999.

STATUTORY AUTHORITY

The amendments are proposed under Transportation Code, §201.101, which provides the Texas Transportation Commission with the authority to establish rules for the conduct of the work of the Texas Department of Transportation, and more specifically, Education Code, Chapter 56, Subchapter I.

No statutes, articles, or codes are affected by the proposed amendments.

§4.25. Conditional Grant Program.

(a)

Purpose. This section establishes procedures for the administration of a conditional grant program which will provide financial assistance to eligible minority and female students who intend to work for the department in civil engineering or any other profession identified by the department as having a significant statistical underrepresentation of minorities or women in the department's workforce. Authority for the creation of the conditional grant program is contained in Education Code, Chapter 56, Subchapter I.

(b)

Program. Upon determination by the executive director or the director's [ his ] designee, the department may provide financial assistance to eligible minority and female students who:

(1)

declare an intent to seek a baccalaureate degree from an institution in the State of Texas in a field of study that satisfies the department's minimum education requirement for an eligible profession;

(2)

intend to work for the department for the two academic years immediately following the date of the student's receipt of an eligible degree from an institution in the State of Texas; and

(3)

exhibit a high level of academic performance.

(c)

Eligibility.

(1)

To be initially eligible for a conditional grant, a student must:

(A)

complete and file with the department, on forms prescribed by the department, a conditional grant application and a declaration of intent to become a member of an eligible profession and work for the department for the two academic years immediately following the date of the student's receipt of an eligible degree;

(B)

enroll in an institution;

(C)

be a Texas resident as defined by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board; and

(D)

be a minority or a female; and

(E)

have complied with any other requirements adopted by the department.

(2)

In order to maintain eligibility, a student must be enrolled each semester in an institution in a course of instruction leading toward a degree in an eligible profession and, except as provided in paragraph (4) of this subsection, must:

(A)

maintain an overall institutional grade point average of at least 2.5 on a four-point scale; and

(B)

receive credit for not fewer than 12 hours each semester toward the student's degree program.

(3)

If, during not more than one semester, a student fails to meet the grade point or credit hour requirements of this subsection, he or she will continue to maintain eligibility. Students who fail to meet the grade point requirement must receive credit for not fewer than 12 hours each semester and attain a semester grade point average of 2.5 during all semesters thereafter until the student graduates.

(4)

The department may waive, upon approval of the executive director, the requirement that a student receive credit for not fewer than 12 hours each semester if a student demonstrates hardship. Hardship may involve serious illness, family emergency, or other extraordinary circumstances beyond the control of the student.

(d)

Application.

(1)

To apply for a conditional grant, a student must submit to the department:

(A)

a completed application in a form prescribed by the department; and

(B)

a declaration of intent.

(2)

The application will require information and documentation relating to residency status, secondary school performance or college performance, the current or intended enrollment institution, the sworn statement as required by subsection (j) of this section, and such other information the department deems necessary to determine eligibility pursuant to subsection (c) of this section.

(3)

An application must be submitted by March 1st of each year for the subsequent fall and spring semesters admission.

(4)

The department will review applications for eligibility and will rank applicants according to the following selection criteria:

(A)

secondary school or college grade point average;

(B)

SAT or ACT score;

(C)

honors and awards from, and participation in technical or academic organizations such as Texas Alliance for Minorities in Engineering, National Honor Society, Debate Team, or Dean's List;

(D)

vocational education; and,

(E)

work experience.

(e)

Grant agreement.

(1)

The department will send written notice to applicants selected to receive a grant informing them of the amount to be awarded for the conditional grant as certified by their educational institution.

(2)

Each selected student will be required to execute a grant agreement prior to receiving a conditional grant. The grant agreement will be in a form prescribed by the department and will set forth the terms and conditions of the grant, including, but not limited to, the amount of the grant and the requirements of continued eligibility pursuant to subsection (c) of this section.

(f)

Conditional grant.

(1)

The amount of a conditional grant is the sum of:

(A)

the amount of tuition and fees for the student, as certified by the institution; and

(B)

a stipend based upon financial need as provided by subsection (g) of this section.

(2)

Each semester the department will distribute a conditional grant for each eligible student on receipt of an enrollment report and certification of the amount of tuition, fees, and stipend (if any) for the student from the institution.

(3)

The total amount of any one conditional grant may not exceed $2,500 per academic semester based on financial need.

(4)

If the amount appropriated to the department for conditional grants is less than the estimated amount of all unpaid conditional grants, the department will proportionally reduce each unpaid conditional grant.

(g)

Stipend.

(1)

A student desiring to receive a stipend must:

(A)

sign a financial information release statement; and

(B)

complete the required financial need forms at the institution.

(2)

The department will award a stipend to the student upon certification by the institution of the student's certified financial need.

(h)

Default. The department will declare a student to be in default of the grant agreement and will require the student to repay all conditional grant funds received from the department if the student:

(1)

withdraws from the institution; or

(2)

fails to comply with one or more requirements of the grant agreement.

(i)

Repayment.

(1)

If a student is required to repay funds pursuant to subsection (h) of this section, the department will establish a repayment schedule of :

(A)

120 equal monthly installments for students who received grants for four years or more;

(B)

96 equal monthly installments for students who received grants for more than three years, but less than four years;

(C)

72 equal monthly installments for students who received grants for more than two years, but less than three years;

(D)

48 equal monthly installments for students who received grants for less than two years.

(2)

The minimum installment shall be $50 and must be paid each month. Repayments may be made in fewer than the required number of installments [ 120 equal monthly installments; provided, however, that the minimum installment shall be $20, and further provided that, at the option of the student, repayments may be made in fewer than 120 installments ].

(3)

[ (2) ] A student will not be required to begin payments until six months subsequent to the determination of default.

(4)

A student who completes an eligible degree and does not work for the department for two years immediately following the date of the student's receipt of an eligible degree from a Texas institution will be required to:

(A)

begin payments three months subsequent to the determination of default; and

(B)

pay a minimum monthly installment of $200.

(5)

The department will waive repayment of any remaining amounts for a student who defaults and makes the required payments according to the established repayment schedule if the student graduates with an eligible degree and honors the original agreement to work for the department in an eligible profession for at least two years commencing immediately upon graduation. The student must adhere to the repayment schedule until the student begins employment with the department.

(6)

[ (3) ] The department may temporarily reduce or defer the required payments and/or extend the prescribed repayment period, upon approval of the executive director, if a student demonstrates his or her inability to pay due to catastrophic illness or family emergency. Any reduction, deferral, or extension will not relieve a student of his or her responsibility to repay all funds.

(7)

Credit bureau notification. The department will notify the appropriate credit bureaus or agencies if a student fails to repay the department or fails to adhere to the terms of the conditional grant agreement.

(j)

Child support statement.

(1)

In accordance with the Family Code, Chapter 14, §14.52, a child support obligor who is 30 or more days delinquent in paying child support is not eligible to receive funds under this subchapter.

(2)

A student shall provide along with the application submitted as required by subsection (c) of this section a signed, sworn statement, in a form and manner prescribed by the department, affirming that the student is not 30 or more days delinquent in providing child support under a court order or a written repayment agreement.

(3)

A student who is ineligible under this section shall remain ineligible to receive funds under this subchapter until:

(A)

all arrearages have been paid; or

(B)

the student is in compliance with a written repayment agreement or court order as to any existing delinquency.

(4)

A student who is found to have submitted a falsely sworn statement under this section shall, upon demand, remit to the department all funds received while ineligible under paragraph (1) of this subsection.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on June 28, 1999.

TRD-9903817

Richard Monroe

General Counsel

Texas Department of Transportation

Earliest possible date of adoption: August 8, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 463-8630


Subchapter E. Sick Leave Pool Programs

43 TAC §4.51

The Texas Department of Transportation proposes amendments to §4.51, concerning definitions for the department's sick leave pool program.

EXPLANATION OF PROPOSED AMENDMENTS

The amendments are proposed to ensure that the definitions used for the sick leave pool program are consistent with the definitions used with the Family and Medical Leave Act and the department's sick leave policy.

Section 4.51 amends the definition of "health care provider" to require that the health care provider be a medical doctor or a doctor of osteopathy, and to allow a health care provider to be licensed in another country. This is consistent with the Family and Medical Leave Act. The definition of "immediate family" is being amended so that it correlates with the definition in the department's sick leave policy. Since sick leave must be exhausted before sick leave pool hours may be granted, consistency in the definition will clarify the use of the sick leave pool.

FISCAL NOTE

James Bass, Budget and Forecasting Branch Manager, has determined that for the first five-year period the amendments are in effect, there will be no fiscal implications for state or local governments as a result of enforcing or administering the amendments. There are no anticipated economic costs for persons required to comply with the amended section as proposed.

Diana L. Isabel, Director, Human Resources Division has certified that there will be no significant impact on local economies or overall employment as a result of enforcing or administering the amendments.

PUBLIC BENEFIT

Ms. Isabel has also determined that for each year of the first five years the amendments are in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing or administering the amendments is to clarify who may certify that an illness or injury is severe, and which family members may be covered by the sick leave pool.

SUBMITTAL OF COMMENTS

Written comments on the proposed amendments may be submitted to Diana L. Isabel, Director, Human Resources Division, Texas Department of Transportation, 125 East 11th Street, Austin, Texas 78701-2483. The deadline for receipt of comments will be 5:00 p.m. on August 9, 1999.

STATUTORY AUTHORITY

The amendments are proposed under Transportation Code, §201.101, which provides the Texas Transportation Commission with the authority to establish rules for the conduct of the work of the Texas Department of Transportation, and more specifically, Government Code, Chapter 661 which authorizes creation of the sick leave pool program.

No statutes, articles, or codes are affected by these proposed amendments.

§4.51. Definitions.

The following words and terms, when used in the sections under this subchapter, shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

(1)

Accrued leave time - Vacation leave, sick leave, and compensatory time.

(2)

Catastrophic illness or injury - A severe condition or combination of conditions affecting the mental or physical health of an employee or an employee's immediate family member that requires the services of a health care provider for a prolonged period of time and that forces the employee to exhaust all leave time earned by that employee and to lose compensation from the state.

(3)

Contribute - To give sick leave from an employee's personal sick leave account to the department sick leave pool.

(4)

Different but related condition - A secondary catastrophic condition that is caused by a primary catastrophic condition which occurs at a later date, such as cancer which spreads from one part of the body to another.

(5)

Discipline - Written reprimand, probation, suspension with pay, suspension without pay, involuntary demotion, or involuntary transfer.

(6)

Employee - A person, other than the executive director, who is employed by the department.

(7)

Health care provider - A medical doctor (MD) or a doctor of osteopathy (DO) who is licensed and authorized to practice in this country or in a country other than the United States in accordance with the law of that country, and who is performing within the scope of his or her practice as defined under applicable law [ A practitioner as defined by Texas Civil Statutes, Article 4590i, who is practicing within the scope of his or her license ].

(8)

Human resources officer - An employee in a district, division, or office who is responsible for verifying the accuracy of all employee leave time records. If more than one employee has these responsibilities, their activities will be coordinated for the purpose of this subchapter.

(9)

Immediate family - Individuals [ Those individuals who are ] related by kinship, adoption, or marriage who are living in the same household, [ as well as ] foster children living in the same household and certified by the Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services , or a spouse, child, or parent of the employee who does not live in the same household and who needs care and assistance as a direct result of a documented medical condition .

(10)

Licensed psychiatrist - A psychiatrist licensed by a state medical licensing board.

(11)

Pool administrator - The Director of the Human Resources Division or [ his or her ] designee who administers the department's sick leave pool program.

(12)

Request - An initial application for withdrawal from the sick leave pool or an application for an extension of a withdrawal due to a catastrophic illness or injury.

(13)

Severe physical condition - A physical illness or injury that will likely result in death or causes the employee to be off work for 10 continuous weeks or more for the current episode.

(14)

Severe psychological condition - A psychological illness that results in the patient being suicidal or capable of harming themselves or others and requires one week or more inpatient hospitalization.

(15)

Sick leave - Leave taken when sickness, injury, or pregnancy and confinement prevent the employee's performance of duty or when the employee is needed to care and assist a member of his immediate family who is actually ill.

(16)

Sick leave pool - A department-wide pool that receives voluntary contributions of sick leave from employees and which transfers approved amounts of sick leave to eligible employees.

(17)

Withdrawal - An approved transfer of sick leave hours from the department sick leave pool.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on June 28, 1999.

TRD-9903818

Richard Monroe

General Counsel

Texas Department of Transportation

Earliest possible date of adoption: August 8, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 463-8630


Chapter 28. Oversize and Overweight Vehicles and Loads

Subchapter G. Port Authority Permits

43 TAC §§28.90-28.92

The Texas Department of Transportation proposes amendments to §§28.90-28.92, concerning port authority permits.

EXPLANATION OF PROPOSED AMENDMENTS

Senate Bill 934, 76th Legislature, 1999, amended Transportation Code, Chapter 623, Subchapter K to allow the Brownsville Navigation District of Cameron County, Texas (Port of Brownsville) to retain 15% of the revenue collected from the issuance of permits under this subchapter. This bill also expands the "heavy truck corridor" to include portions of U.S. Highway 77/U.S. Highway 83 to allow for travel to the new Veterans International Bridge at Los Tomates for vehicles possessing the necessary permit.

The amendments to §28.90 allow permitted vehicles carrying cargo to travel on U.S. Highway 77/U.S. Highway 83 or State Highway 48/State Highway 4 between the Veterans International Bridge at Los Tomates and the entrance to the Port of Brownsville.

Section 28.91(f)(3), is amended to clarify that in the event the Port of Brownsville's authority to issue permits is revoked, upon termination of the maintenance contract or upon expiration of the subchapter, that any revenue generated but not paid to the department shall be surrendered to the department for deposit in the state highway fund. This amendment is necessary to clarify that the department shall receive any revenue collected due the department minus the administrative costs incurred by the Port of Brownsville, and to ensure that the revenue is properly deposited to support the maintenance of the roadways. This amendment further clarifies that any funds suspensed and not yet transferred to the department shall be rendered upon revocation of authority to issue permits, termination of the maintenance contract, or expiration of this subchapter. Subsection (g)(1) is amended to provide that the Port of Brownsville may retain up to 15% of permit fees instead of the existing 10% for administrative costs. It also adds the phrase "U.S. Highway 77/U.S. Highway 83" to the reference that the balance of the permit fees shall be used to make payments to the department for maintenance.

Subsection (g) is also amended by adding paragraph (3) to provide that the Port of Brownsville may also issue a permit and collect a fee for any load exceeding vehicle size or weight as specified by Transportation Code, Chapter 621, Subchapter B, concerning Weight Limitations, and Subchapter C, concerning Size Limitations, originating at the Veterans International Bridge at Los Tomates, and the Port of Brownsville.

Subsection (h) is amended to establish that the maintenance contract shall provide for a system of payments from the Port of Brownsville to the department for all maintenance costs expended by the department to maintain U.S. Highway 77/U.S. Highway 83 and State Highway 48/State Highway 4 to the current level of service or pavement conditions and that maintenance includes routine and preventive maintenance, or total reconstruction of the roadway and bridge structures as determined by the department to maintain the current level of service.

Section 28.92(a)(8) is amended to establish that the permit application form shall include a statement that the cargo shall be transported over the most direct route using State Highway 48/State Highway 4 between the Gateway International Bridge and the Port of Brownsville or the Veterans International Bridge at Los Tomates and the Port of Brownsville using U.S. Highway 77/U.S. Highway 83 and State Highway 48/State Highway 4. The amendment to subsection (h)(7) changes the expiration of the subchapter from the year 2001 to 2005.

FISCAL NOTE

James Bass, Budget and Forecasting Branch Manager, Finance Division, has determined that for the first five year period the amendments are in effect there will be some fiscal implications to the state and local governments as a result of implementing the proposed amendments. There will be a revenue loss to Highway Fund 6 as a result of raising the percentage retained by the Port of Brownsville for administrative costs from 10% to 15%. From March 1998 to February 1999, the Port of Brownsville issued 29,774 permits at a fee of $30 per permit, generating revenue of $893,220. Assuming that the number of permits issued by the Port of Brownsville will remain constant at approximately 30,000 annually, under existing rules the department could expect to collect a total of $810,000 annually (90% of $900,000) with the Port of Brownsville receiving $90,000 (10% of $900,000). Under the proposed rules, the department would collect 85% of the total permit fees collected ($765,000) resulting in a revenue loss to Fund 6 of approximately $45,000 annually for each year the proposed rules are in effect.

The Port of Brownsville is the only local government affected by the proposed amendments. No new costs will be incurred by the Port of Brownsville, which will receive an additional 5% of permit fees to cover existing administrative costs. There are no anticipated additional costs for persons required to comply with the amendments as proposed.

Lawrance R. Smith, Director, Motor Carrier Division, has certified that there will be no impact on local economies or overall employment as a result of enforcing or administering the proposed amendments.

PUBLIC BENEFIT

Mr. Smith also has determined that for each year of the first five years the sections are in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing or administering the proposed amendments will be to facilitate compliance with requirements for the transport of oversize or overweight loads through the Port of Brownsville using the Gateway International Bridge or the Veterans International Bridge at Los Tomates. The effect on small or large businesses is the increased efficiency in allowing these businesses to more fully utilize routes leading to the Port of Brownsville and to increase the efficiency of their operations.

SUBMITTAL OF COMMENTS

Written comments on the proposed section may be submitted to Lawrance R. Smith, Director, Motor Carrier Division, 125 East 11th Street, Austin, Texas 78701-2483. The deadline for receipt of comments will be 5:00 p.m. on August 9, 1999.

STATUTORY AUTHORITY

The amendments are proposed under Transportation Code, §201.101, which provides the Texas Transportation Commission with the authority to establish rules for the conduct of the work of the Texas Department of Transportation, and more specifically, Transportation Code, Chapter 623, which authorizes the department to carry out the provisions of those laws governing the issuance of permits for oversize and overweight permits.

No statutes, articles, or codes are affected by the proposed amendments.

§28.90. Purpose.

In accordance with Transportation Code, Chapter 623, Subchapter K, the department may authorize the Brownsville Navigation District of Cameron County, Texas (Port of Brownsville) to issue permits for the movement of oversize or overweight vehicles carrying cargo on State Highway 48/State Highway 4 between the Gateway International Bridge and the entrance to the Port of Brownsville , or on U.S. Highway 77/U.S. Highway 83 and State Highway 48/State Highway 4 between the Veterans International Bridge at Los Tomates and the entrance to the Port of Brownsville . This subchapter sets forth the requirements and procedures applicable to the issuance of permits by the Port of Brownsville for the movement of oversize and overweight vehicles.

§28.91. Responsibilities.

(a)

Surety bond. The Port of Brownsville shall post a surety bond in the amount of $500,000 for the purpose of reimbursing the department for actual maintenance costs of State Highway 48/State Highway 4 and U.S. Highway 77/U.S. Highway 83 in the event that sufficient revenue is not collected from permits issued under this subchapter.

(b)

Verification of permits. All permits issued by the Port of Brownsville shall be carried in the permitted vehicle. The Port of Brownsville shall provide access or a phone number for verification of permit authenticity by law enforcement or department personnel.

(c)

Training. The Port of Brownsville shall secure any training necessary for personnel to issue permits under this subchapter. The department may provide assistance with training upon request by the Port of Brownsville.

(d)

Accounting. The department shall develop accounting procedures related to permits issued under this subchapter which the Port of Brownsville must comply with for the purpose of revenue collections and any payment made to the department under subsection (h) of this section.

(e)

Audits. The department may conduct audits semi-annually or upon direction by the executive director of all Port of Brownsville permit issuance activities. In order to insure compliance, audits will at a minimum include a review of all permits issued, financial transaction records related to permit issuance, review of vehicle scale weight tickets and monitoring of personnel issuing permits under this subchapter.

(f)

Revocation of authority to issue permits. If the department determines as a result of an audit that the Port of Brownsville is not complying with this subchapter, the executive director will issue a notice to the Port of Brownsville allowing 30 days to correct any non-compliance issue. If after 30 days it is determined that the Port of Brownsville is not in compliance, then the executive director may revoke the Port of Brownsville's authority to issue permits.

(1)

Upon notification that its authority to issue permits under this subchapter has been revoked, the Port of Brownsville may appeal the revocation to the commission in writing.

(2)

In cases where a revocation is being appealed, the Port of Brownsville's authority to issue permits under this subchapter shall remain in effect until the commission makes a final decision regarding the appeal.

(3)

Upon revocation of authority to issue permits, termination of the maintenance contract, or expiration of this subchapter, all fees collected by the port, with the exception of administrative costs already expended, shall be paid to the department.

(g)

Fees. Fees collected under this subchapter shall be used solely to provide funds for the payments provided for under Transportation Code, §623.213, less administrative costs.

(1)

The permit fee shall not exceed $80 per trip. The Port of Brownsville may retain up to 15% [ 10% ] of such permit fees for administrative costs, and the balance of the permit fees shall be used to make payments to the department for maintenance of State Highway 48/State Highway 4 and U.S. Highway 77/U.S. Highway 83 .

(2)

The Port of Brownsville may issue a permit and collect a fee for any load exceeding vehicle size or weight as specified by Transportation Code, Chapter 621, Subchapters B and C, originating at the Gateway International Bridge traveling on State Highway 48/State Highway 4 to the Port of Brownsville or originating at the Port of Brownsville traveling on State Highway 48/State Highway 4 to the Gateway International Bridge.

(3)

The Port of Brownsville may also issue a permit and collect a fee for any load exceeding vehicle size or weight as specified by Transportation Code, Chapter 621, Subchapters B and C, originating at the Veterans International Bridge at Los Tomates, traveling on U.S. Highway 77/U.S. Highway 83 and State Highway 48/State Highway 4 to the entrance to Port of Brownsville or originating at the Port of Brownsville, traveling on State Highway 48/State Highway 4 and U.S. Highway 77/U.S. Highway 83 to the Veterans International Bridge at Los Tomates.

(h)

Maintenance Contract. The Port of Brownsville shall enter into a maintenance contract with the department for the maintenance of State Highway 48/State Highway 4 between the Gateway International Bridge and the Port of Brownsville and the maintenance of U.S. Highway 77/U.S. Highway 83 and State Highway 48/State Highway 4 between the Veterans International Bridge at Los Tomates and the Port of Brownsville .

(1)

The maintenance contract shall provide for a system of payments from the Port of Brownsville to the department for all maintenance costs expended by the department to maintain State Highway 48/State Highway 4 and U.S. Highway 77/U.S. Highway 83 to the current level of service or pavement conditions. Maintenance shall include, but is not limited to, routine maintenance, preventive [ preventative ] maintenance, and total reconstruction of the roadway and bridge structures as determined by the department to maintain the current level of service [ for State Highway 48/State Highway 4 ].

(2)

The Port of Brownsville may make direct restitution to the department for actual maintenance costs from this fund in lieu of the department filing against the surety bond described in subsection (a) of this section, in the event that sufficient revenue is not collected.

§28.92. Permit Issuance Requirements and Procedures.

(a)

Permit application. Application for a permit issued under this subchapter shall be in a form approved by the department, and shall at a minimum include:

(1)

the name of the applicant;

(2)

date of issuance;

(3)

signature of the director of the Port of Brownsville;

(4)

a statement of the kind of cargo being transported;

(5)

the maximum weight and dimensions of the proposed vehicle combination, including number of tires on each axle, tire size for each axle, distance between each axle, measured from center of axle to center of axle, and the specific weight of each individual axle when loaded;

(6)

the kind and weight of each commodity to be transported, not to exceed loaded dimensions of 12' wide, 15'6" high, 110' long or 125,000 pounds gross weight;

(7)

a statement of any condition on which the permit is issued;

(8)

a statement that the cargo shall be transported over the most direct route using State Highway 48/State Highway 4 between the Gateway International Bridge and the Port of Brownsville , or using U.S. Highway 77/U.S. Highway 83 and State Highway 48/State Highway 4 between the Veterans International Bridge at Los Tomates and the Port of Brownsville ;

(9)

the name of the driver of the vehicle in which the cargo is to be transported;

(10)

the location where the cargo was loaded; and

(11)

the name of the specific Port of Brownsville employee issuing the permit.

(b)

Permit issuance.

(1)

General.

(A)

The original permit must be carried in the vehicle for which it is issued.

(B)

A permit is void when an applicant:

(i)

gives false or incorrect information;

(ii)

does not comply with the restrictions or conditions stated in the permit; or

(iii)

changes or alters the information on the permit.

(C)

A permittee may not transport an overdimension or overweight load with a voided permit.

(2)

Payment of permit fee. The Port of Brownsville may determine acceptable methods of payment. All fees transmitted to the department must be in U.S. currency.

(c)

Maximum permit weight limits.

(1)

An axle group must have a minimum spacing of four feet, measured from center of axle to center of axle, between each axle in the group to achieve the maximum permit weight for the group.

(2)

Two or more consecutive axle groups must have an axle spacing of 12 feet or greater, measured from the center of the last axle of the preceding group to the center of the first axle of the following group, in order for each group to be permitted for maximum permit weight.

(3)

Maximum permit weight for an axle or axle group is based on 650 pounds per inch of tire width or the following axle or axle group weights, whichever is the lesser amount:

(A)

single axle -- 25,000 pounds;

(B)

two axle group -- 46,000 pounds;

(C)

three axle group -- 60,000 pounds;

(D)

four axle group -- 70,000 pounds;

(E)

five axle group -- 81,400 pounds;

(4)

A permit issued under this subchapter does not authorize the vehicle to exceed manufacturer's tire load rating.

(d)

Vehicles exceeding weight limits. Any vehicle exceeding weight limits outlined in subsection (c) of this section, shall apply directly to the department for an oversize or overweight permit in accordance with §28.11 of this title (relating to Permit Issuance Requirements and Procedures).

(e)

Registration. Any vehicle or combination of vehicles permitted under this subchapter shall be registered in accordance with Transportation Code, Chapter 502.

(f)

Travel conditions. Movement of a permitted vehicle is prohibited when visibility is reduced to less than 2/10 of one mile or the road surface is hazardous due to weather conditions such as rain, ice, sleet, or snow, or highway maintenance or construction work.

(g)

Daylight and night movement restrictions. An oversize permitted vehicle may be moved only during daylight hours, as defined by Transportation Code, §541.401(1); however, an overweight only permitted vehicle may be moved at any time.

(h)

Restrictions.

(1)

Any vehicle issued a permit by the Port of Brownsville must be weighed on scales capable of determining gross vehicle weights and individual axle loads. For the purpose of ensuring the accuracy of the permit, the scales must be certified by the Texas Department of Agriculture or [ on scales ] accepted by the United Mexican States.

(2)

A valid permit and certified weight ticket must be presented to the gate authorities before the permitted vehicle shall be allowed to exit or enter the port.

(3)

A copy of the certified weight ticket shall be retained by the Port of Brownsville and become a part of the official permit record subject to inspection by department personnel or Texas Department of Public Safety personnel.

(4)

The owner of a vehicle permitted under this subchapter must be registered as a motor carrier in accordance with Transportation Code, Chapters 643 or 645, prior to the oversize or overweight permit being issued. The Port of Brownsville shall maintain records relative to this subchapter, which are subject to audit by department personnel.

(5)

Permits issued by the Port of Brownsville shall be in a form prescribed by the department.

(6)

The maximum speed for a permitted vehicle shall be 55 miles per hour or the posted maximum, whichever is less.

(7)

This subchapter expires March 1, 2005 [ 2001 ].

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on June 28, 1999.

TRD-9903819

Richard Monroe

General Counsel

Texas Department of Transportation

Earliest possible date of adoption: August 8, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 463-8630