The bill under consideration mandates the establishment of a noise barrier construction fund, which will be used for the design and construction of noise barrier projects, specifically on Teaberry Lane in Bedford, NH. The bill authorizes the commissioner of the Department of Transportation to sell up to $10,000,000 per year in turnpike toll credits, provided there are sufficient credits to cover the state match for federal apportionment totals for five years. The sale of these credits is subject to compliance with federal rules and regulations, turnpike covenants, and the approval of the fiscal committee of the general court and the joint legislative capital project overview committee.

The revenue generated from the sale of turnpike toll credits will be deposited into the noise barrier construction fund, which is a restricted, nonlapsing fund continually appropriated to the Department of Transportation. Expenditures from this fund will also require approval from the same legislative committees. The commissioner is authorized to use the revenue for noise barrier projects that meet the Type II criteria as outlined in the department's guidelines, with the possibility of considering additional factors for eligibility after consulting with affected communities. The bill also includes an amendment to RSA 6:12, I(b) to include the noise barrier construction fund as a dedicated account. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2024. The fiscal note indicates that the fiscal impact is indeterminable and that there is currently no federal authority or marketplace for the sale of turnpike toll credits. The Department of Transportation notes that the sale of these credits would reduce the available state match for its Federal highway program.

Statutes affected:
As Amended by the Senate: 6:12