Letter to Thomas Cardon, Council chair of Derry and John Farrell, Council Chair of Londonderry - Governor Hassan Directs NH DOT to Accelerate Exit 4A Project
Letter
Mr. Thomas Cardon
Council Chair
Town of Derry
14 Manning Street
Derry, NH 03038
Mr. John Farrell
Council Chair
Town of Londonderry
268B Mammoth Road
Londonderry, NH 03053
Dear Mr. Cardon and Mr. Farrell:
As you know the Governor's Advisory Commission on Intermodal Transportation (GACIT) has begun its public process for the development of the Ten Year Transportation Improvement Plan for 2017-2026. As part of this process, GACIT will undertake 16 public hearings across the state to receive crucial input and feedback on the importance and prioritization of transportation projects throughout New Hampshire before presenting its recommended Ten-Year Plan to my office in late fall. I will then propose my version of the plan to the legislature in January.
A strong transportation infrastructure is crucial to our economic development, and to the safety and quality of life of our citizens and visitors. I recognize the economic potential that Exit 4A has for our communities, and our state as a whole. As part of my review of the Ten Year Plan, I intend to work with the New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NH DOT) to examine ways to place a higher priority on the Exit 4A project and to accelerate the project, in conjunction with the widening of I-93. I have already directed NH DOT to initiate this process and to recommend ways to fully fund the project earlier than currently proposed.
The bipartisan transportation funding plan that we passed last year is advancing critical road and bridge projects and helping to finish the long-overdue expansion of Interstate 93, and I believe that Exit 4A needs to be included in that context. Exit 4A represents a significant economic development opportunity for the region and the state, and assuring expedient timing for funding and completion of the project will spur economic development and create jobs.
We must continue to work together to ensure a modern, safe transportation infrastructure, which we all know is critical to the success of New Hampshire's people, businesses, and economy. I look forward to working with you and other stakeholders from around the state to ensure that our Ten Year Plan continues to meet that expectation.
With every good wish,
Margaret Wood Hassan
Governor
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