The following words and terms, when used in this subchapter, shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

1. (1) Commission--The Texas Transportation Commission.
2. (2) Conceptual proposal--An unsolicited proposal requesting department participation in a turnpike project that generally describes the project, anticipated costs associated with the project, and the expected level of department participation.
3. (3) Department--The Texas Department of Transportation.
4. (4) Detailed proposal--An unsolicited proposal requesting department participation in a turnpike project that contains the information described in §27.5(1) of this subchapter.
5. (5) Proposal review fee--A fee prescribed by these rules that must be tendered with any solicited or unsolicited proposal submitted pursuant to this subchapter.
6. (6) Request for proposals (RFP)--A detailed request for submittal of a proposal from private entities to acquire, design, finance, construct, maintain, operate, extend or expand turnpike projects pursuant to the Turnpike Act.
7. (7) Turnpike Act--Transportation Code, Chapter 361.001 et seq.

8. (8) Turnpike project--A toll highway constructed, maintained or operated under Transportation Code, Chapter 361 as part of the state highway system and any improvement, extension or expansion to the highway, including:

   1. (A) a facility to relieve traffic congestion and promote safety;
   2. (B) a bridge, tunnel, overpass, underpass, interchange, entrance plaza, approach, toll house, service road, ramp, or service station;
   3. (C) an administration, storage, or other building the department considers necessary to operate the project;
   4. (D) property rights, easements and interests the department acquires to construct or operate the project;
   5. (E) a parking area or structure, rest stop, park, and any other improvement or amenity the department considers necessary, useful, or beneficial for the operation of a turnpike project; and
   6. (F) a toll-free facility that is appurtenant to and necessary for the efficient operation of a turnpike project, including a service road, access road, ramp, interchange, bridge, or tunnel.

Source Note:The provisions of this §27.2 adopted to be effective July 18, 2002, 27 TexReg 6377.