Bill > SB152

This bill authorizes the sale of turnpike toll credits, which are essentially credits earned from paying tolls on turnpikes, to generate funds for a new "noise barrier construction fund." This fund will be used to design and build noise barrier projects, which are structures built to reduce traffic noise. The sale of these credits is contingent on there being enough turnpike toll credits available to match federal funding for transportation projects over a five-year period, and the total amount sold cannot exceed $10 million per year. The revenue from these sales will go into a dedicated, non-lapsing fund managed by the Department of Transportation, and any spending from this fund requires approval from specific legislative committees. The bill also specifies that the noise barrier projects must meet certain criteria for Type II noise barriers, as outlined in the department's guidelines, and allows for adjustments to eligibility based on community impact. This initiative is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.