SECTION 5.57. Final Approval

(a) Authorization to negotiate final agreement. The executive director will submit to the commission a summary of the final financial terms of a proposed pass-through agreement. The final financial terms may consist of specific payment terms and schedules or may consist of a range of acceptable parameters. The commission may authorize the executive director to negotiate and execute a final agreement only if it finds that:

(1) the project serves the public interest and not merely a private interest;

(2) the proposed pass-through agreement is in the best interest of the state;

(3) the project is compatible with existing and planned transportation facilities; and

(4) the project furthers state, regional, and local transportation plans, programs, policies, and goals.

(b) Contents of pass-through agreement. Before any work is done for which reimbursement will be requested through a pass-through toll or fare, the department and the public or private entity shall execute a pass-through agreement containing, at a minimum, the following:

(1) identification of the scope and nature of the work to be performed;

(2) identification of the one or more categories of project costs, as described by §5.53(a)(11) of this subchapter, that the department will reimburse;

(3) all financial terms, as applicable, including the levels of pass-through tolls or fares, maximum and minimum periodic payments, and maximum and minimum total payments;

(4) allocation of responsibility for all significant work to be performed, including environmental documentation, right of way acquisition, utility adjustments, engineering, construction, and maintenance;

(5) provision for the collection and use of toll or other revenues, if applicable;

(6) all provisions required by state or federal law;

(7) a map showing the location of the project;

(8) a proposed project schedule;

(9) an estimated budget;

(10) deadlines for key stages of project development;

(11) procedures and timelines for the submission of materials and for approvals;

(12) for a local government, a copy of the resolution or ordinance authorizing execution of the agreement;

(13) provisions for termination of the agreement; and

(14) if applicable, a copy of the order, resolution, or ordinance designating a contiguous geographic area in the jurisdiction of a public entity as a transportation reinvestment zone under Transportation Code, Chapter 222, Subchapter E.

Source Note: The provisions of this §5.57 adopted to be effective February 19, 2009, 34 TexReg 1100