Section 3: Authority and References
Anchor: #i1001397Research Program History
- Anchor: #EAWRUSNR
- 35th Legislature — The earliest program of cooperation between TxDOT and a university is described in Vernon’s Texas Civil Statutes (VTCS), Article 6904 1/2 l, as legislated in 1917. 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. Anchor: #KQLRLADL
- September 29, 1948 — Commission Minute Order No. 25396 was passed providing for a research program between the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas (now Texas A&M University) and the Texas Highway Department (now TxDOT). Anchor: #PSODJGHY
- May 24, 1963 — Commission Minute Order No. 52742 was passed, authorizing the State Highway Engineer to enter into agreement with such other qualified Texas schools and universities under the terms of Minute Order No. 25396. Anchor: #SYFPSXRA
- May 13, 1997 — Texas Legislature passed Senate Bill 698, which broadened TxDOT's authority to contract with Texas colleges and universities for transportation related research.
Authority for the Research Program
State of Texas — Authority for the program is found in the following statutes:
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- Education Code, Section 85.29, which provides for research and experimentation in transportation between TxDOT and the Texas A&M University System. Anchor: #SPIWULHV
- Education Code, Section 67.24, which provides for research and experimentation in transportation between TxDOT and The University of Texas. Anchor: #UFFQLQGA
- Education Code, Chapter 150, 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 and 23 USC 505 for eligibility purposes - Planning and Research Program Administration.