SB151 By Senators Elliott, Williams and Chesteen RFD Transportation and Energy Rd 1 06-FEB-20

SYNOPSIS: Under existing law, prior to the building of new toll roads, bridges, or tunnels, the Department of Transportation must advertise where the proposed toll project will be located and conduct a public hearing in each affected county.

This bill would require the Joint Transportation Committee to select a qualified, independent entity to complete an economic impact study related to the toll project prior to construction and prior to the public hearing, would require the public posting of the study, and would require that the study be transmitted to the Alabama Toll Road, Bridge and Tunnel Authority.

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT

Relating to toll roads, bridges, and tunnels; to require the Joint Transportation Committee to complete an economic impact study prior to building toll roads, bridges, or tunnels; to provide for the substance of the study; to provide for the posting of the study and the transmittal of the study to the members of the Alabama Toll Road, Bridge and Tunnel Authority; and to provide for public comment on the study.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA:

Section 1. (a) Prior to building a new toll road, bridge, or tunnel or expanding capacity on any existing public road, bridge, or tunnel for tolling purposes, and prior to the public hearing required under Section 23-2-162, Code of Alabama 1975, the Joint Transportation Committee, in consultation with the Fiscal Division of the Legislative Services Agency, shall select a qualified, independent person or entity to complete an economic impact study related to the proposed project. The committee shall manage and monitor the completion of the study and the Department of Transportation shall pay all costs associated with the study.

(b) At a minimum, the economic impact study required under subsection (a) shall include quantitative estimates of the effect the new toll project will have on the state and local economy, including, but not limited to, the impact on all of the following:

(1) Existing commercial and industrial development.

(2) Employment.

(3) Future development near the project area, including consideration of locations for interchanges that will maximize opportunities for development.

(4) Revenues to the state and political subdivisions of the state.

(c) Upon receipt, the Joint Transportation Committee shall immediately transmit a copy of the study to the Department of Transportation. The department shall post a copy of the economic impact study on its public website and shall also provide written notice to the Alabama Toll Road, Bridge and Tunnel Authority that the study has been completed.

(d) At the public hearing required under Section 23-2-162, Code of Alabama 1975, the department shall afford the public an opportunity to comment on the results of the economic impact study.

Section 2. This act shall become effective immediately following its passage and approval by the Governor, or its otherwise becoming law.

Highways, Roads, and Bridges

Toll Roads and Bridges

Transportation Department