authorizing the sale of toll credits to fund a newly established noise barrier construction fund for the design and construction of noise barrier projects.

The bill changed from directing DOT to build one specific 1,845-foot sound barrier on I-93 southbound in Londonderry to authorizing a general funding mechanism (Noise Barrier Construction Fund) for the design and construction of noise barrier projects that meet Type II criteria under DOT's existing policy guidelines.

The specific project details (Pillsbury Road to Exit 4 southbound off-ramp, approximately 1,845 feet along the Woodmont Development property line) were entirely removed.

A new restricted, nonlapsing fund called the Noise Barrier Construction Fund was created. The commissioner is authorized to sell up to $10,000,000 per year in turnpike toll credits, subject to federal rules, turnpike covenants, and approval by both the fiscal committee and the joint legislative capital project overview committee.

A new dedicated account (subparagraph 411) was added to RSA 6:12, I(b) to house moneys in the Noise Barrier Construction Fund.

The effective date changed from 'upon its passage' to July 1, 2026.

Noise barrier projects must meet Type II noise barrier criteria set forth in DOT's Policy and Procedural Guidelines for the Assessment and Abatement of Highway Traffic Noise. The commissioner may consider additional adjustment factors after consultation with affected communities.