LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD
                              Austin, Texas
                                     
                    FISCAL NOTE, 76th Regular Session
  
                              April 27, 1999
  
  
          TO:  Honorable Florence Shapiro, Chair, Senate Committee on
               State Affairs
  
        FROM:  John Keel, Director, Legislative Budget Board
  
       IN RE:  SB1444  by Barrientos (relating to noise abatement
               measures on certain highways in this state), Committee
               Report 1st House, as amended
  
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*  No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.        *
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The Texas Department of Transportation estimated a cost to the State
Highway Fund 006 of approximately $15 million for the 2000-01 biennium
for Senate Bill 1444.  However, the bill as amended directs that no
state funds be expended for the study of noise impacts or construction
of a Type II noise barrier project.
  
Local Government Impact
  
Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPO) would have the option of
participating in Type II noise barrier projects.  The MPOs would provide
the matching funds needed for federal funding for the individual
projects.  Should an MPO choose to participate in a noise barrier
project, state highway projects previously approved could be delayed.
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDot) estimated there are
potentially 142 miles of Type II noise barrier sites along existing
highways statewide.  A detailed noise analysis would need to be
performed before construction of a barrier could begin.  TxDot estimated
the cost per noise analysis to be $50,000 to $75,000.  The department
estimated the average construction cost of the barriers to be $1,000,000
per mile.
  
  
Source Agencies:   601   Department of Transportation
LBB Staff:         JK, SD, PH, ML