FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                               Friday, May 16, 2008

Contact: Senator Peter Burling

(603) 271-3642

SENATEAPPROVES 10-YEAR TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PLAN

CONCORD – The Senate voted last night for a new and more realistic 10-year transportation plan that’s expected to address repairs and upgrades to critical highways and bridges around the state.

“It is incredibly important that the state of New Hampshire continue its investment in the maintenance and upgrade of our transportation system. It would be better if we could actually increase that investment but given our current financial situation, we’re doing what we can and addressing our priorities,” said Senator Peter Burling (D-Cornish).

House Bill 1646 provides for the repair of Memorial Bridge in Portsmouth, the widening of Interstate 93, completion of the southern leg of the Conway bypass, completion of the Granite Street exit in Manchester and repairs to 89 red-listed bridges throughout the state.

It sets realistic goals for transportation improvements over the next 10 years and calls for the plan to be reviewed every two years to measure progress. The plan was developed after multiple public hearings in communities across the state and intensive study of the state’s transportation needs by the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Intermodal Transportation.

The Senate also voted to add to the legislation authorization for the state treasurer to bond up to $80 million on school construction aid -- action that will only be taken if needed to maintain a balanced state budget.

“The time is now to act with prudence and fiscal responsibility,” said Senate President Sylvia Larsen (D-Concord). “We have taken many actions to adjust our spending to respond to declining revenues,” she noted.

The authorization to bond up to $40 million this year and next year provides an extra level of protection. If the bonding went forward, it would represent only half a percent of the state’s debt service. Larsen said the state treasurer and the state bond counsel have said this would not affect the state’s bond rating or the state’s ability to borrow at the most competitive rates.

“Bonding our school building program would be similar to the mechanisms already used for other capital projects, such as university construction,” Larsen said.