AN ACT CREATING A SCHEDULE TO FUND NOISE ABATEMENT FOR COMMUNITIES IDENTIFIED IN THE TYPE II STATEWIDE NOISE ANALYSIS.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Sarah Keitt and 2 co-sponsors

Creates a funding schedule to support highway noise abatement in communities identified by the Type II statewide noise analysis, helping nearby residents reduce exposure.

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Transportation

#highways #noisebarriers

HB 6695 — Summary

Bill Overview

Bill Number: HB 6695

Title: AN ACT CREATING A SCHEDULE TO FUND NOISE ABATEMENT FOR COMMUNITIES IDENTIFIED IN THE TYPE II STATEWIDE NOISE ANALYSIS

Status: Ref. to Joint Committee on Transportation

Introduced: January 24, 2025

Subject: Highways, Noise barriers

Purpose and Intent

The bill aims to establish a funding mechanism described as a “schedule” to fund noise abatement measures.

Specifically targets communities identified in the state’s Type II statewide noise analysis, indicating a formal process to identify areas impacted by highway noise and to provide mitigation.

Key Provisions (Inferred from Title and Summary)

Creation of a funding schedule to support noise abatement projects.

Eligibility tied to communities designated by the Type II statewide noise analysis.

Likely focus on highway-related noise mitigation, such as installation or upgrade of noise barriers and related measures.

The exact funding amounts, allocation criteria, prioritization criteria, management responsibilities, and project scope are not detailed in the provided information.

Affected Parties

Residents and communities identified in the Type II statewide noise analysis as affected by highway noise.

State Department of Transportation (or equivalent transportation authority) responsible for implementing nois mitigation projects, administering the fund/schedule, and coordinating with local governments.

Local governments and municipalities may participate by identifying projects, applying for funding, or coordinating with state agencies.

Funding and Schedule (What is Known)

The bill proposes a “schedule to fund” noise abatement. The specifics (fund source, cap, duration, matching requirements, or reimbursement mechanisms) are not included in the available information.

The design implies a structured timeline or phased approach for deploying mitigation measures, subject to legislative and administrative action.

Procedural Status and Timeline

Introduced: January 24, 2025.

Ref. to Joint Committee on Transportation: The bill has been referred to the Transportation committee for consideration.

No further actions or amendments are listed in the provided information.

Potential Impacts

Could improve quality of life for residents near highways by reducing noise exposure.

Establishes a formal funding pathway for noise abatement projects, potentially affecting state budget planning and project prioritization.

May create new administrative processes for evaluating, funding, and maintaining noise barriers and related infrastructure.

Next Steps / What to Watch

Committee hearings and any amendments to define funding amounts, eligibility criteria, project prioritization, and administration.

Release of fiscal notes or impact statements outlining cost, revenue sources, and expected benefits.

Potential stakeholder input from affected communities and local governments.