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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to noise abatement procedures on certain turnpikes. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Subchapter E, Chapter 366, Transportation Code, |
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is amended by adding Section 366.186 to read as follows: |
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Sec. 366.186. (a) An authority shall conduct a study and |
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an analysis of traffic noise in a neighborhood on receipt of a |
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petition requesting the study. The petition must: |
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(1) state the segment of a turnpike project that is at |
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least 1,000 feet in length for which the study is sought; and |
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(2) be signed by at least 70 percent of the property |
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owners who reside within 1,000 feet of the segment. |
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(b) Not later than six months after receiving a petition |
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under Subsection (a), an authority shall publish the results of a |
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study conducted under that subsection. |
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(c) An authority shall erect a sound barrier wall adjacent |
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to a neighborhood if the study finds: |
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(1) an exterior noise decibel level of 60 dBA Leq or |
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more on land used for a picnic area, a recreation area, a |
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playground, an active sports area, a park, a residence, a motel, a |
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hotel, a school, a church, a library, or a hospital; or |
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(2) an interior noise decibel level of 45 dBA Leq or |
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more on land used for a residence, a motel, a hotel, a school, a |
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church, a library, or a hospital. |
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(d) An authority required to erect a sound barrier under |
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this section shall begin construction not later than the 30th day |
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after the date the authority publishes the results of the study. |
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(e) A sound barrier erected under this section must be |
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located immediately adjacent to the turnpike and must have a height |
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of not less than 10 feet. |
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SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2013. |