Bill > HB606

This bill amends Alabama state law to clarify and update provisions related to utility facility relocations during highway construction projects. The bill broadens the definition of "utility" to include a wide range of infrastructure providers, such as communications, power, water, and other service systems, and specifies how the costs of relocating these utilities will be handled. For interstate highway projects, the Director of Transportation must now obtain cost estimates for utility relocations and include these in federal funding requests. For other highway projects, the state will pay for utility relocation costs, with a streamlined process that removes previous income-based restrictions. The bill also prohibits the Director of Transportation from charging fees for utility placement on state rights-of-way and provides detailed guidelines for how utilities must cooperate with transportation authorities during highway construction, including relocating facilities as directed. Additionally, the bill clarifies procedures for adjusting highway lines and grades to accommodate infrastructure projects, ensuring that such changes serve the public interest and receive appropriate approvals. The changes will take effect on October 1, 2026, providing ample time for state agencies and utilities to prepare for the new requirements.

Transportation and Infrastructure

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