Transportation (Transportation Funding)

This bill requires the state Department of Transportation to reimburse certain utilities for costs associated with relocating their facilities when public highway projects require it. The reimbursement applies specifically to utility infrastructure located within public rights-of-way and must be paid when the utility begins spending funds on relocation. The bill clarifies that these reimbursement rules do not apply to utility facilities on private property, where utilities are entitled to standard legal compensation instead. This change affects state transportation funding processes and utility companies involved in infrastructure projects along public roads.

SB 281 allocates $2 million annually from gas tax revenues to fund the maintenance, programming, and operation of City Walk Birmingham, a public space beneath I-20/59 in Birmingham. Jefferson County is responsible for $1.6 million of this total, while municipalities within Jefferson County collectively contribute $400,000 based on each municipality's proportional share of gas tax revenues. Funds will be deposited into a dedicated account managed by the City of Birmingham and Jefferson County, with strict use limited to City Walk Birmingham's upkeep and public purposes. The bill takes effect October 1, 2026, and requires Jefferson County to collect municipal contributions from future gas tax distributions.