Regional Mobility Authority

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A Regional Mobility Authority is an independent local government agency authorized under Chapter 370 of the Texas Statutes. A Regional Mobility Authority is a multi-modal transportation agency that can be formed by one or more counties to finance, design, construct, operate, maintain and expand a transportation facility or service. The Texas Legislature first authorized the creation of Regional Mobility Authorities in 2001 with passage of Senate Bill 342. A subsequent constitutional amendment was approved by Texas voters on November 6, 2001. The Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority was the first agency created under the new law. It was formed by Travis County and Williamson County in January 2003 following approval from the Texas Transportation Commission in October 2002.

[edit] Administration

The administration of a Regional Mobility Authority is overseen by a Board of Directors. The Governor of Texas appoints the Chairman of the Board. The Commissioner's Court of each county appoints a minimum of two board members. Board members serve two year terms. Board members cannot be elected officials and must reside within the county they represent. Board members cannot work for the Texas Department of Transportation or any government entity within the geographic boundaries of the Mobility Authority. The Board of Directors is authorized to perform the functions provided under statute by hiring employees and/or contracting with government agencies or private sector companies.

[edit] Powers

A Regional Mobility Authority is authorized to implement a wide range of transportation projects. Potential projects include highways (tolled or untolled), ferries, airports, bikeways and intermodal hubs among others. Projects can be financed using a wide range of methods including the sale of tax-exempt revenue bonds, private equity, public grants, government loans, and revenue generated from existing transportation facilities. A Regional Mobility Authority can acquire or condemn property for projects, enter into public private partnerships, and set rates for the use of transportation facilities.