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Kuster, Pappas meet virtually with NH Regional Planning Commissions

By Staff | Nov 10, 2021

CONCORD – U.S. Reps. Annie Kuster (NH-02) and Chris Pappas (NH-01) met virtually with New Hampshire Regional Planning Commissions from across the state to discuss the bipartisan infrastructure package passed by the House of Representatives last week and hear from the commissions about priorities and needs.

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, advanced by Kuster and Pappas, is comprehensive, bipartisan legislation to rebuild America’s infrastructure and deliver historic investments in rural communities that will create good-paying jobs and deploy broadband to underserved areas in New Hampshire.

“I was proud to work with Rep. Pappas and the rest of our New Hampshire delegation to deliver the game-changing bipartisan infrastructure package for our Granite State communities,” said Rep. Kuster. “Across the state our Regional Planning Commissions are spearheading projects and initiatives that will lift our communities and grow our economy. I’m excited that this transformative legislation will support their efforts and that of our towns and cities throughout New Hampshire. I appreciated speaking with local leaders about what this plan includes, and how we can work together to propel our state forward.”

“The investments in this bill are not Democratic or Republican priorities, they are bipartisan, common-sense solutions of local and national significance. Notably, it’s also a five year bill that provides the long range funds we know are essential to be able to plan projects appropriately,” said Congressman Pappas. “This funding will help New Hampshire complete critical road and bridge projects, expand transportation options, upgrade aging water systems, deliver broadband to homes and businesses without service, and spur economic development. As we move forward, I’m eager to continue working with our Regional Planning Commissions to ensure we’re meeting the needs of all our communities.”

“We are thrilled to see that these long-awaited investments in critical infrastructure are finally moving forward,” said Jay Minkarah, Executive Director, Nashua Regional Planning Commission. “It is especially encouraging to see significant funding included for transit and for repairing and rebuilding our roads and bridges in a more resilient way that accommodates the needs of all users, including pedestrians and cyclists.”

“The Lakes Region will benefit from a wide variety of infrastructure improvements – from roads, bridges and sidewalks to broadband and water, sewer, and stormwater infrastructure,” said Jeffrey Hayes, Executive Director, Lakes Region Planning Commission.

The members were joined by Jay Minkarah, Executive Director, Nashua Regional Planning Commission; Jennifer Czysz, Executive Director, Strafford Regional Planning Commission; Tim Roache, Executive Director, Rockingham Regional Planning Commission; Dave Walker, Assistant Director, Rockingham Regional Planning Commission; Meagan Butts, Executive Director, Upper Valley Lake Sunapee Regional Planning Commission; J.B. Mack, Principal Planner, Southwest Regional Planning Commission; and Dean Williams, Principal Transportation Planner, Central New Hampshire Regional Planning Commission.

Specifically, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act includes:

$1.1 billion in federal highway funds and $225 million for bridge repairs to keep our critical infrastructure safe.

$66 billion for federal rail investments. This funding will help improve the existing Amtrak service in New Hampshire and provide the state with additional federal resources to build the Capitol Corridor Project.

$100 million to expand broadband coverage around the state to help Granite Staters stay connected.

$418 million over the next five years to improve water infrastructure across the state. With some municipalities operating with water infrastructure over 100 years old, this historic investment will deliver important resources to New Hampshire communities in need.

$3.5 billion nationally into the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), which lowers home energy costs for lower-income families in New Hampshire.

$2.4 billion federal investment in rehabilitating, retrofitting and removing dams to improve dam safety, increase hydropower production to reduce carbon emissions, and remove dams to enhance the health of river ecosystems. Many of the dam investments are based on Rep. Kuster’s bipartisan Twenty-First Century Dams Act.

$65 billion to modernize our electric grid for a clean electricity future, $7.5 billion to build out a national network of electric vehicle charging infrastructure to decarbonize the transportation sector, $4.7 billion to reduce methane emissions by plugging old oil wells, and $3.5 billion to advance direct air capture technology to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

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