This bill establishes a new Noise Barrier Construction Fund, which will be financed through the sale of turnpike toll credits, provided that there are sufficient credits available to meet the state match for federal apportionment totals over a five-year period. Specifically, the bill allows the commissioner to sell up to $10 million in toll credits annually, subject to the approval of the fiscal committee of the general court and the joint legislative capital project overview committee. The revenue generated from these sales will be deposited into the newly created fund, which is designated for the design and construction of noise barrier projects that comply with established criteria.

Additionally, the bill amends RSA 6:12 to include the noise barrier construction fund as a dedicated account. The fund's revenue will be nonlapsing and continually appropriated to the Department of Transportation, with expenditures also requiring approval from the relevant legislative committees. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2026. The fiscal impact of the bill is currently indeterminable due to uncertainties regarding the market for toll credits and federal requirements that may affect revenue and expenditures.

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