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 ************************************************************************** * No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated. * ************************************************************************** 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