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Hassan revives rail study

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As part of her Ten Year Transportation Improvement Plan, Gov. Maggie Hassan is recommending further study of a southern New Hampshire commuter rail.

Every two years the Department of Transportation works with Regional Planning Commissions and the Executive Council to draft a ten year plan for transportation infrastructure improvement, maintenance, and repair. That plan must be approved by the governor and the legislature.

Gov. Hassan just submitted her revised ten year plan to the Legislature. Unlike the plan originally proposed by the Department of Transportation, Hassan’s plan includes $4 million in Federal Transit Authority funds for an environmental and engineering assessment for a southern New Hampshire commuter rail. That assessment is a necessary first step before building a rail.

“Commuter rail will improve access to the entire region and provide new transportation and housing opportunities that 21st century workers and families are looking for, spurring economic development and creating jobs,” said Gov. Hassan

Opponents argue that it is a waste to spend any money on a southern New Hampshire commuter rail, because rail is not the economic engine supporters claim.

“The Federal Transit Administration did an exhaustive study on rail stations’ impact and found that they rarely create new growth,” wrote conservative policy analyst Josh Elliott-Traficante. “Instead stations typically just redistribute growth that would have taken place elsewhere.” 

Do you have an opinion on commuter rail?  Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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