FEASIBILITY STUDY BY MUNICIPALITY, COUNTY, OTHER GOVERNMENTAL ENTITY, OR PRIVATE GROUP.

(a) One or more municipalities, counties, or other governmental entities, a combination of municipalities, counties, and other governmental entities, or a private group or combination of individuals in this state may pay all or part of the expenses of studying the cost and feasibility of a transportation project, the design and engineering of a transportation project, and any other expenses relating to:

(1) the preparation and issuance of bonds for the acquisition or construction of a proposed transportation project by an authority;

(2) the improvement, extension, or expansion of an existing transportation project of the authority; or

(3) the use of private participation under applicable law in connection with the acquisition, construction, improvement, expansion, extension, maintenance, repair, or operation of a transportation project by an authority.

(b) Money spent under Subsection (a) for a proposed transportation project is reimbursable without interest and with the consent of the authority to the person paying the expenses described in Subsection (a) out of the proceeds from revenue bonds issued for or other proceeds that may be used for the acquisition, construction, improvement, extension, expansion, maintenance, repair, or operation of the transportation project.