Congressman Paul Hodes Works to Bring Federal Highway Dollars to New Hampshire

For Immediate Release

June 26, 2008

Contact:        Mark Bergman

                202-225-5206

Congressman Paul Hodes Works to Bring Federal Highway Dollars to New Hampshire

Washington, DC--- Congressman Paul Hodes today sent a letter to House Democratic Leadership urging the passage of a fix to a multi-billion dollar shortfall to the highway trust fund to help construct and maintain New Hampshire’s highways and bridges.  He also called on Senator Gregg to abandon his hold on this important highway funding for New Hampshire.

“This is absolutely critical funding for our economy and for the thousands of Granite Staters who face congestion and roads in need of repair.  Senator Gregg is wrong to stand in the way of helping New Hampshire’s tax dollars return to our state to help build and maintain better roads for New Hampshire families. We need this funding to help widen Interstate 93 and other major highways to help ease traffic congestion for commuters already struggling under record high gas prices.”

Hodes pointed out in his letter that this funding would be a transfer of revenue from general funds to the Highway Trust Fund, and therefore would not cost the federal government additional money nor increase the burden on taxpayers. 

“As State Transportation Commissioner Campbell and others have pointed out, this funding is critical for commuters, our construction industry, and jobs in our state,” Hodes added. “We need it to move forward without further delay.”