One or more counties may petition the commission for authorization to create an RMA. The petition shall include:

1. (1) a resolution from the commissioners court of each county indicating its approval of the creation by the county of an RMA;
2. (2) a description of how the RMA would improve mobility in the region;

3. (3) a description of an initial turnpike project the RMA would undertake, including:

   1. (A) an explanation of how the project will be consistent with the appropriate policies, strategies, and actions of the Texas Transportation Plan, and, if appropriate, with the metropolitan transportation plan developed by the metropolitan planning organization;
   2. (B) a brief description of any known environmental, social, economic, or cultural resource issues, such as impacts on wetlands and other water resources, endangered species, parks, neighborhoods, businesses, historic buildings or bridges, and archeological sites;
   3. (C) the name and address of any individuals or organizations known to be opposed to any element of the project, and a description of any known controversies concerning the project; and

   4. (D) a preliminary financing plan for the project, which shall include an estimate of the following information, if available to the petitioner:

      1. (i) total project estimated cost, including planning, design, right of way acquisition, environmental mitigation, and construction; and
      2. (ii) proposed financing for the project, specifying the source and use of the funds, including debt financing and department contributions, identified as a loan or a grant;
4. (4) a commitment by the RMA to be fully responsible for identifying all EPIC, obtaining all required environmental permits, and other required environmental approvals;
5. (5) a brief description of any other projects the petitioner is currently considering to be developed by the RMA; and
6. (6) if the petitioner desires to add directors to the board in addition to those expressly required by Transportation Code, §361.003, a list of the political subdivisions that will be represented by those members and a description of how they are to be appointed.

Source Note:The provisions of this §26.11 adopted to be effective July 18, 2002, 27 TexReg 6354.