HB 3720 – Local Bridge projects

HB 3720 directs TxDOT to build two costly bridges in Harris County to address local traffic issues at rail crossings. While the intent is to ease congestion and support emergency access, it comes with a significant price tag—$85 million in state taxpayer funds. The projects are not on the state highway system, raising serious concerns about whether state funds should be used at all. This means taxpayers across Texas may be footing the bill for a localized infrastructure improvement. The bill essentially bypasses standard funding requirements and sets a precedent for state involvement in local development projects. From a fiscal responsibility standpoint, this represents unnecessary state expansion into county-level responsibilities. Texans should be cautious about approving projects that benefit a specific locality while increasing the burden on statewide taxpayers