Senator Judith G. Freedman (R-26) voted today in favor of legislation that would authorize voters to establish special taxing districts to pay for highway sound barriers.

The legislation, HB 6205, An Act Concerning Taxing Districts To Pay For Sound Barriers , was passed by the Senate and is now subject to further action by the House of Representatives.

"People who live along the highways are willing to pay for highway sound barriers. This legislation is intended to give them the authority to do so. For many families, this is a quality of life issue and I am delighted that this bill seems destined to become law this year," said Senator Freedman.

Senator Freedman has supported similar legislation in the past. She noted that it has been the policy of the state Department of Transportation to construct sound barriers as part of new highway construction.

"It is not always possible to predict where and whether sound barriers will be needed when building new highways. This bill provides communities with a way to pay for needed barriers without passing on the cost to residents who do not live near the highways," said Senator Freedman