State could sell toll credits to pay for highway noise walls

The transportation commissioner could sell up to $10 million in turnpike toll credits each year. The sales would involve turnpike toll credits. Enough credits must remain to help cover the state's share of federal funding, measured over the current federal fiscal year and the four before it. The sale must follow federal rules and turnpike agreements, and two legislative committees must approve it. The transportation department says federal authority and a market for these sales do not yet exist. The text lists July 1, 2025 as its start date if the bill becomes law.

The transportation department would set aside sale proceeds to design and build eligible highway noise walls. Projects must meet the transportation department's Type II noise barrier rules. Two legislative committees must approve spending from the fund. After consulting an affected community, the commissioner could consider other allowed factors when deciding which projects qualify. Unused money would carry over to later years.