The bill, HB 1543-FN, amends the process for disposing of or reclassifying highway-funded real estate, introducing new procedural requirements aimed at increasing municipal involvement and ensuring proper rehabilitation of properties. Key provisions include a mandate for the Department of Transportation to provide 90-days notice to municipalities, hold a public hearing, and obtain the municipality's legislative body concurrence before any disposal or reclassification of class I or class II highway property that is still in public use. Additionally, the bill stipulates that RSA 4:40 does not apply to real estate purchased with turnpike funds or state or federal highway funds, thereby clarifying the scope of the new regulations. Furthermore, the bill establishes a new section for Turnback Rehabilitation and Transition Assistance, allowing the Department of Transportation to offer grants or services to municipalities to help manage maintenance costs associated with reclassified highways. A "turnback condition report" must be prepared to certify the completion of required rehabilitation before any disposal or reclassification can take effect. The fiscal impact of the bill is indeterminable, as it may lead to ongoing costs that could affect funding for the state's primary and secondary highway system. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance municipal engagement in the management of state-owned highway properties while addressing the financial responsibilities that come with such management.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 4:39-c, 4:39-f, 4:40, 230:57
HB1543 text: 4:39-c, 4:39-f, 4:40, 230:57