Bill > H3045

This bill establishes a special commission of 13 members, appointed by various legislative leaders, the metropolitan planning organization, the Secretary of Transportation, and the governor, to study and recommend ways to make the implementation of "type II noise barrier" projects more efficient and effective. Type II noise barriers are structures built along highways to reduce traffic noise for nearby residents. The commission's goal is to speed up the process, lower state costs, and improve the quality of life for the public by examining how projects are prioritized, identifying problem areas on specific routes like 93 and 95, and exploring ways to secure more funding, such as federal grants. The commission can hold hearings, gather expert and public testimony, and review successful strategies from other states, and is required to report its findings and any proposed legislation to the state legislature by January 15, 2014.