Section 3: Authority and References
Anchor: #i1002469When Did the Research Program Start?
The earliest program of cooperation between TxDOT and a university is described in VTCS, Article 6671, Laboratories, as legislated in 1917 by the 35th Legislature. This law stated that the laboratories of Texas A&M University and The University of Texas would be at the disposal of the Highway Engineer for testing and analyzing road and bridge material.
Commission Minute Order No. 25396 was passed on September 29, 1948, which provided for a research program between the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas (now Texas A&M University) and the Texas Highway Department (now TxDOT).
On May 24, 1963, Commission Minute Order No. 52742 was passed, which authorized the State Highway Engineer to enter into agreement with such other qualified Texas schools and universities under the terms of Minute Order No. 25396.
On May 13, 1997, the Texas Legislature passed Senate Bill 698, which broadened TxDOT's authority to contract with Texas colleges and universities for transportation-related research.
Anchor: #i1002494Authority for the Research Program
State of Texas — Authority for the program is found in the following statutes:
- VTCA Education Code, Section 85.29, which provides for research and experimentation in transportation (as revised by S.B. 698) between TxDOT and The Texas A&M University System. It refers to Minute Order 25396.
- VTCA Education Code, Section 67.24, which provides for research and experimentation in transportation (as revised by S.B. 698) between TxDOT and The University of Texas.
- VTCA Education Code, Subtitle H, Title 3, Chapter 150 (as enacted by S.B. 698), which provides for research and experimentation in transportation between TxDOT and Texas public senior colleges and universities.
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) — The research program is conducted under the provisions of 23 CFR Part 420 - Planning and Research Program Administration.