SE Oakland News

State Representatives Tom Kuhn and Sharon MacDonell have put forward a plan to address the growing issue of noise pollution caused by interstate highways. The proposed legislation, which closely resembles a plan introduced by State Senator Michael Webber last year, aims to establish a program for constructing sound barriers along state highways.

According to Rep. Kuhn, the plan aims to provide "peace and quiet for people living near busy roadways." The proposed program would create a noise barrier fund, allowing local authorities to seek state funding for noise barrier construction. The funding would be provided in the form of grants or loans, and applicants would undergo a review process based on criteria such as project cost, the number of residents affected, and existing noise levels at the site.

Rep. MacDonell, who represents the same district as Rep. Kuhn, expressed her support for the plan, stating that it would offer "much-needed relief from noise pollution" for communities across Michigan. She specifically mentioned the overwhelming noise coming from I-75 in Troy, which has been a cause of concern for many residents.

To address this issue, the state budget has already allocated $10 million for the construction of sound barriers in Troy. However, the proposed program would allow other communities to apply for funding without having to wait for the next state budget. This initiative is inspired by the success of similar programs in other states, where the implementation of sound barriers has significantly improved the quality of life by reducing noise levels.

State Senator Webber, who introduced a similar plan in the State Senate, emphasized the importance of prioritizing highway noise abatement. He expressed his pride in working with his House colleagues to introduce this bill in both chambers, highlighting the need to address this issue on a continuous basis.

The introduction of this plan by Reps. Kuhn, MacDonell, and Sen. Webber reflects the growing concern about the impact of noise pollution on communities near busy roadways. By establishing a sound barrier construction program along state highways, Michigan aims to provide relief and improve the quality of life for its residents.

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