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1995 SESSION

LD7382346
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 469
Offered January 18, 1995
Establishing a joint subcommittee to study state policy regarding highway sound barriers.
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Patrons--McClure, Albo, Almand, Darner, Fisher, Harris, Marshall, May, Mayer, Mims, O'Brien, Plum, Scott, Tata and Wagner; Senators: Barry, Howell, Saslaw and Waddell
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Referred to Committee on Rules
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WHEREAS, many portions of Virginia are experiencing growth in residential housing and highway construction; and

WHEREAS, when highways are built or expanded next to residential areas, residents often request construction of sound walls or sound barriers to decrease the sound and access from the highways to residential areas; and

WHEREAS, in a variety of instances, residential neighborhoods have requested sound walls or sound barriers and, for a variety of reasons, have not been able to attain them; and

WHEREAS, there are numerous residential areas in the Commonwealth which desire sound walls or sound barriers, but are unable to obtain them under applicable state or federal policy or financing; and

WHEREAS, a general review of state policy on sound barriers is necessary; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That a joint subcommittee be established to study state policy regarding the construction, maintenance and financing of sound walls and sound barriers near federal and state highways and residential areas. The joint subcommittee shall make recommendations for any needed changes to such state policy.

The joint subcommittee shall consist of six members as follows: three members of the House of Delegates to be appointed by the Speaker of the House and three members of the Senate to be appointed by the Senate Committee on Privileges and Elections.

The Virginia Department of Transportation and the Commonwealth Transportation Board shall cooperate with the legislative committee, provide representatives to testify before the committee and provide materials, information and other technical assistance requested by the committee.

The direct costs of this study shall not exceed $4,500.

The Division of Legislative Services shall provide staff support for the study. All agencies of the Commonwealth shall provide assistance to the joint subcommittee, upon request.

The joint subcommittee shall complete its work in time to submit its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the 1996 Session of the General Assembly as provided in the procedures of the Division of Legislative Automated Systems for processing legislative documents.

Implementation of this resolution is subject to subsequent approval and certification by the Joint Rules Committee. The Committee may withhold expenditures or delay the period for the conduct of the study.