I 112th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 5713 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES May 10, 2012 Mr. Butterfield (for himself, Mr. Watt, and Mr. Kissell) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure A BILL To amend the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century to ensure that the highest priority consideration is given to local comments when selecting a toll pilot project, and for other purposes.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Talk Before You Toll Act of 2012.

2.

Interstate system reconstruction and rehabilitation pilot program

Section 1216(b)(4) of the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (Public Law 105–178) is amended— (1)by redesignating subparagraphs (D) and (E) as subparagraphs (E) and (F), respectively; and (2)by inserting after subparagraph (C) the following: (D)the State has solicited, received, and published on its Web site public comments regarding the facility and has disclosed whether the majority of such comments approved or disapproved the facility, including comments regarding the economic impact study, environmental assessment, and any other documents required to be submitted with the application; .

3.

Priority consideration

Section 1216(b) of the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (Public Law 105–178) is amended— (1)by redesignating paragraphs (5) through (8) as paragraphs (9) through (12), respectively; and (2)by inserting after paragraph (4) the following: (5)

Priority consideration

In addition to the selection criteria listed in paragraph (4), the Secretary shall give the highest priority consideration to local comments that both approve and disapprove the proposed toll facility. (6)

Periodic consideration

Once a State begins the application process under this subsection, the Secretary (or the Secretary’s designee) shall meet monthly with local representatives of transportation and consumer advocacy groups who reside near the location of the proposed toll facility to discuss their views and recommendations for any changes or modifications to the State’s plans with respect to the facility. (7)

Public meeting

(A)

In general

Not later than 30 days after the date of submission of the final facility management plan under paragraph (3)(D)(i), the State shall hold at least one public meeting to review the specifics of the plan (especially details not disclosed prior to the plan’s final submission) and solicit participation and comment from the public. (B)

Comments received

(i)

In general

During the public meeting and in the 30-day period following the date on which the meeting is held, the State shall accept comments on and suggestions for any changes to the facility management plan and written comments with respect to any of the comments or suggestions. (ii)

Publication and transmittal

The State shall publish the comments and suggestions on its Web site and transmit the comments and suggestions, along with the minutes of the public meeting, to the Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration. (8)

Federal Highway Administration

Not later than 30 days after the date of receipt of the comments and suggestions and the minutes of the public meeting referred to in paragraph (8), the Administrator shall publish on the Web site of the Federal Highway Administration all comments and suggestions received by a State regarding the proposed toll facility. Before making a final determination on a State’s application, the Administrator shall consider all such comments and suggestions received. .

4.

Application of amendments

The amendments made by this Act shall apply to any State that has not completed a final application under section 1216(b) of the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (Public Law 105–178) as of the date of enactment of this Act.