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Last week, I announced the appointment of Rep. Larry Phillips (R - Sherman), Rep. Aaron Peña (D - Edinburg) and Rep. Wayne Smith (R - Baytown) to the Legislative Study Committee on Private Participation in Toll Projects. This committee will study the implications of allowing comprehensive development agreements between toll project entities and private companies that would permit the private companies to operate and collect revenue from the toll project. The committee will also study the implications of selling an existing and operating toll project to a private entity.

During the 80th Legislature, the issue of toll roads built with private equity became a matter of much concern among legislators and the general public. It is my hope that this committee will come up with substantive recommendations so that we can resolve conflicts on this issue.

The committee will consist of nine members. Governor Rick Perry, Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst and I each appoint three members to the committee. A presiding officer will be elected from among the committee's own members. The committee will report its findings and recommendations to the legislature by December 1, 2008.