The bill amends the existing Michigan Public Act 51 to introduce a new section, 14b, which establishes a noise abatement measure program aimed at reducing highway noise along state trunk line highways. The program will provide funding for the construction and maintenance of noise abatement measures in areas lacking such measures. The Michigan Department of Transportation is tasked with creating and operating this program, which includes the ability to construct or maintain noise abatement measures at the request of local road authorities and to provide grants or loans for these purposes.

Additionally, the bill outlines a review process for applications to the program, which will involve criteria for scoring projects based on feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and potential noise reduction benefits. Local road authorities can submit applications at any time, and the department must notify them of the approval or rejection of their requests. The bill also establishes a dedicated noise abatement measure fund within the state treasury to support the program, with provisions for reporting on its utilization to legislative committees annually.

Statutes affected:
Senate Introduced Bill: 247.651, 247.675