HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 2025-12_opposition to SB 2722 & HB 5177RESOLUTION 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
WHEREAS, while the City of La Porte supports transparency and fiscal responsibility in toll revenue
management, SB 2722 and FIB 5177, as currently drafted, present serious financial and operational risks
to Harris County and its municipalities, warranting strong opposition.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA PORTE, TEXAS:
SECTION 1. That the City Council of the City of La Porte, Texas, formally opposes SB 2722 and HB 5177 and
urges the Texas Legislature to reject these measures.
SECTION 2. That copies of this Resolution be forwarded to Governor Greg Abbott, Lieutenant Governor
Dan Patrick, Speaker of the House Dustin Burrows, members of the Texas Senate and House of
Representatives, the Harris County Commissioners Court, and any other relevant stakeholders.
PASSED AND APPROVED this, the 24" day of March, 2025.
CITY OF LA PORTE, TE 5
^ I Rick Helton, Mayor
Chuck Engelken, Mayor.Pro Tem, Councilperson District 2
Position A
Position B
Mandl Williams, Councilperson Di net 1
Bill Be u i person District 3
R66ert Guerra, Counc perso�4—
Jaye ' r
Robbie McLarrin, Councilperson District 6
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
/ .tip
Clark Askins, City Attorney