Amend CSSB 1420 (house committee report) by adding the following appropriately numbered SECTION and renumbering subsequent SECTIONS of the bill accordingly:

SECTION ____. Section 201.706, Transportation Code, is amended to read as follows:

Sec. 201.706. LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE. From appropriated funds, the department shall assist counties with materials to repair and maintain county roads. The department shall:

(1) provide that the total annual value of assistance under this section is [:

[(A) at least $12 million per year for fiscal years 1998 and 1999; and

[(B)] at least $18 [$6] million [per year for a fiscal year other than 1998 or 1999];

(2) make maximum usage of surplus materials on hand;

(3) develop rules and procedures to implement this section and to provide for the distribution of the assistance with preference given to counties with an above average number of overweight trucks receiving weight tolerance permits based on the previous year's permit totals; and

(4) undertake cooperative and joint procurement of road materials with counties under procedures of the comptroller.