This Fiscal Note is not an official copy and should not be quoted or cited.
Fiscal Note - SB 0333 - Creates a Commission to identify and support highway projects that enhance economic development
SB 333 - Fiscal Note

COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH

OVERSIGHT DIVISION

FISCAL NOTE

L.R. NO.: 1584-01

BILL NO.: SB 333

SUBJECT: Economic Development and Transportation

TYPE: Original

DATE: February 15, 1999


FISCAL SUMMARY

ESTIMATED NET EFFECT ON STATE FUNDS

FUND AFFECTED FY 2000 FY 2001 FY 2002
General Revenue ($234,796) ($266,585) ($274,190)
Total Estimated

Net Effect on All

State Funds

($234,796) ($266,585) ($274,190)



ESTIMATED NET EFFECT ON FEDERAL FUNDS

FUND AFFECTED FY 2000 FY 2001 FY 2002
None $0 $0 $0
Total Estimated

Net Effect on All

Federal Funds

$0 $0 $0



ESTIMATED NET EFFECT ON LOCAL FUNDS

FUND AFFECTED FY 2000 FY 2001 FY 2002
Local Government $0 $0 $0

Numbers within parentheses: ( ) indicate costs or losses

This fiscal note contains 4 pages.

FISCAL ANALYSIS

ASSUMPTION

Officials of the Department of Economic Development (DED) assume that the proposal would create a five-member commission, for which the coordination of activities, administrative support, and payment of all costs would be done within DED. Officials assume that this would be an active committee and that there would be considerable travel costs as well as related activity. DED would require one FTE to coordinate activity (an Economic Development Program Administrator) and one half-time clerk typist II for support. The program would be administered similar to the Missouri Rural Opportunity Council or Women's Council. Officials also assume that regular meetings would be conducted to study funding of highways and that public hearings would be conducted. DED assumes that the commission would need the professional assistance of outside contract help in reviewing financing options and preparing the report to the General Assembly and the Governor. Total costs to the general revenue fund are estimated by DED to be $234,796 in FY 2000, $266,585 in FY 2001, and $274,190 in FY 2002. These costs include $150,000 in annual costs for contracted consultants.

DED officials also note that the proposed "Highway and Transportation Development Commission" is similar in name and purpose to a commission created by section 622.055, RSMo, the "Transportation Development Commission." The latter was created to address all forms of transportation and specifically those under the Division of Motor Carrier and Railroad Safety within DED. In addition, officials note that the duties are similar to what the Highway and Transportation Commission and the Missouri Department of Transportation are to do.

Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) officials also assume that the duties of the proposed commission would duplicate functions currently performed by the Missouri Highway and Transportation Commission (MHTC). Officials indicate that MoDOT is required to perform planning to support all transportation projects, including economic development. The Federal Highway Administration designates that 2% of federal apportionments are to be spent for transportation planning and research. Officials note that the following identified activities that the proposed Highway and Transportation Development Commission would perform are duplicative of current functions of MoDOT:

ASSUMPTION (continued)

To perform these activities, MoDOT officials assume additional appropriations from general revenue would be needed totaling $9,500,00 for FY 2000, $11,600,000 for FY 2001, and $11,700,000 for FY 2002, as this is a similar amount spent by MoDOT to perform these functions.

Oversight assumes that if the proposal were successful, DED would request appropriations as noted in their assumptions. Since the proposal does not address any duplication of functions between the proposed commission and MoDOT, Oversight also assumes that MoDOT and the MHTC would continue to perform the same functions that it presently does. Therefore, costs estimated by DED are reflected in this fiscal note.



FISCAL IMPACT - State Government FY 2000 FY 2001 FY 2002
(10 Mo.)
GENERAL REVENUE FUND
Costs-Department of Economic Development
Personal services (1.5 FTE) ($48,898) ($60,170) ($61,674)
Fringe benefits (14,943) (18,388) (18,848)
Equipment and expense (170,955) (188,027) (193,668)
Total costs - DED ($234,796) ($266,585) ($274,190)
FISCAL IMPACT - Local Government FY 2000 FY 2001 FY 2002
(10 Mo.)
0 0 0
FISCAL IMPACT - Small Business
No direct fiscal impact to small businesses would be expected as a result of this proposal.






DESCRIPTION

The proposal would create the "Highway and Transportation Development Commission" within the Department of Economic Development. The purpose of the commission would be to aid in the promotion and enhancement of Missouri's highway and transportation system and how it relates to economic development.

This legislation is not federally mandated and would not require additional capital improvements or rental space. State agencies indicate that the proposal would duplicate some duties presently performed by the Missouri Highway and Transportation Commission and the Missouri Department of Transportation.

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

Department of Economic Development

Department of Transportation





Jeanne Jarrett, CPA

Director

February 15, 1999