Bill Caption

Relating to the modification of a 99-year lease of certain state property to the City of Austin and the grant of a 99-year lease of certain state property and certain easements to the Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority.

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

Bill Analysis

HB 3893 would give subsurface and access right to the Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority to certain parks for the construction of the Austin Metro system.

In November of 2020, Austin voters approved funding of the Capital Metro's Project Connect Initial Investment, which would include two light rail lines that would operate underground in the Central Business District. The lease for subsurface and access rights would be centralized and focused on the production of these two light rails under the Central Business District.

The lease for subsurface and access rights would be in addition to and separate from the existing lease to operate at a public park on the surface of the property.

Vote Recommendation Notes

Granting a lease for the subsurface strata of a property already leased to the City of Austin does not conflict with our liberty principles, therefore Texas Action remains neutral on HB 3893.