Revenue Cuts present major challenge for New Hampshire.
Press Release Summary:
In a Two-Minute State DOT Update video, New Hampshire Transportation Commissioner George Campbell said his agency anticipates a big reduction in the miles it will be able to repave this year, due in large part to shrinking state transportation revenues. New Hampshire DOT survived an effort to suspend state's gasoline tax for several weeks. However, both chambers of the state legislature voted to reduce motor vehicle surcharge, which cuts $55 million a year from the DOT and Department of Safety.
Original Press Release:
Revenue Cuts Present a Major Challenge for New Hampshire Says DOT Commissioner
(Washington, DC) - Preserving transportation infrastructure is one of the essential functions of state departments of transportation. Repaving deteriorated asphalt doesn't just make travel safer and smoother; it helps to keep roadways in a good state of repair, extending their life cycle.
In a new a Two-Minute State DOT Update video, New Hampshire Transportation Commissioner George Campbell said his agency anticipates a big reduction in the miles it will be able to repave this year, due in large part to shrinking state transportation revenues.
"New Hampshire has a disciplined, constrained, 10-year capital program, "Campbell said. "But we may be forced to drop from about 450 miles a year we can pave down to about 250 miles a year and that's just not sufficient for us in the long run."
The New Hampshire DOT survived an effort late last month to suspend the state's gasoline tax for several weeks. If that measure had been approved, it would have cut an additional $7 million from the state DOT's budget. Earlier this year, both chambers of the state legislature did approve legislation to cut another source of funding for NHDOT-a move Campbell says hit the department hard.
"It's all about the money," Campbell replied, when asked about the challenges facing NHDOT. "Both chambers of the state legislature voted to reduce our motor vehicle surcharge, which reduces annually $55 million a year from the Department of Transportation and the Department of Safety. We take great pride in how we maintain our highway network in New Hampshire, and that's being challenged like never before."
Watch Campbell's entire interview and other Two-Minute State DOT Update videos 24/7 at www.TransportationTV.org.
The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) is the "Voice of Transportation" representing State Departments of Transportation in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. AASHTO is a nonprofit, nonpartisan association serving as a catalyst for excellence in transportation. Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/aashtospeaks.
