Resolution 2025-12_opposition to SB 2722 & HB 5177

Browse Search

RESOLUTION NO. 2025-12 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA PORTE, TEXAS, EXPRESSING OPPOSITION TO SENATE BILL 2722 AND HOUSE BILL 5177, AND URGING THE TEXAS LEGISLATURE TO REJECT THESE MEASURES IN THEIR CURRENT FORM WHEREAS, Senate Bill 2722 (SB 2722) and its companion House Bill 5177 (HB 5177) propose significant changes to the allocation and use of toll road revenue generated by the Harris County Toll Road Authority (HCTRA); and WHEREAS, these bills would require Harris County to transfer thirty (30) percent of its surplus toll road revenue, estimated at approximately $58 million annually, to the City of Houston, thereby reducing available funding for countywide road infrastructure projects and potentially increasing county road debt; and WHEREAS, while SB 2722 and HB 5177 mandate that the City of Houston use these funds exclusively for law enforcement and emergency services related to toll road incidents and disasters, they do not require the City to document actual costs incurred, conduct audits, or return excess funds, creating a lack of financial accountability; and WHEREAS, the proposed legislation requires that all remaining toll revenue, after operational costs, be fully disbursed, thereby eliminating HCTRA's ability to maintain a reserve fund for future infrastructure needs or economic downturns; and WHEREAS, SB 2722 and HB 5177 alter the formula for distributing funds to Harris County Commissioner Precincts based on an ambiguous definition of "roads owned and maintained by the County," leading to uncertainty and potential inequities in funding allocation among precincts; and WHEREAS, restricting the use of surplus toll revenue to only county -owned and maintained roads would jeopardize joint projects with TxDOT and other local jurisdictions, including the City of La Porte, and our neighbors; and WHEREAS, Harris County Precinct 2 has some of the worst road conditions in the County, and the financial constraints imposed by SB 2722 and H8 5177 would severely limit the ability to make necessary investments in road repairs and infrastructure improvements, disproportionately impacting the residents of La Porte; and WHEREAS, the City of La Porte relies on the strength of Harris County's transportation infrastructure and funding for regional mobility projects, and these bills would significantly hinder the County's ability to maintain and improve roads that benefit residents and businesses in La Porte; and