New Texas Resident Could Pay Higher Registration Fee

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) _ A Dallas legislator has proposed allowing local-option elections for some urban counties to impose taxes and fees for road, bridge and rail projects.

Sen. John Carona says communities need more ways to fund road projects amid a shortage of state and federal money.

The plan would allow for a “Texas new resident roadway impact fee” of up to $250 on vehicles previously registered out of state.

Some officials from the Dallas-Fort Worth area testified in support of the legislation.

Carona’s legislation covers the Dallas-Fort Worth area, plus Bexar and Travis counties. He said he’s received word that El Paso and Harris counties want to join the legislation.

An aide says Gov. Rick Perry wants to work with Carona, but Perry has “concerns” about the bill.

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