10-year plan only partly funds I-93 project

Jun 30, 2010 — The Eagle-Tribune

Terry Date

Jun. 30, 2010 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- The state's 10-year transportation plan identifies the Interstate 93 widening and reconstruction as a priority, but does not fully fund the project.

That comes as no surprise to transportation officials, who know the latter part of the construction schedule -- highway widening between Exit 3 in Windham and Manchester -- is unfunded.

That work is projected to cost $230 million.

The state Department of Transportation's manager of the I-93 project awaits the work of the House Bill 2 Commission, a panel that includes lawmakers and transportation officials charged with identifying ways to pay for the state's unfunded transportation needs.

"I hope to see a final report this fall identifying ways for transportation funding to move forward -- and part of that is I-93," said Pete Stamnas, project manager for the $800 million, 19.8-mile project between Salem and Manchester.

The panelists will present their thoughts on possible revenue sources to the Legislature, including fees and gas tax increases.

The 10-year plan, signed by the governor Monday, identifies and prioritizes critical transportation needs in the state. Along with the I-93 work, the priorities are maintaining the current transportation infrastructure and fixing or replacing deficient bridges.

The 2011-2020 plan funds I-93 reconstruction through Exit 3 and red-list bridge replacements at Exit 5.

The funding for those items comes from federal and interstate sources, and $195 million in bonds.

The 10-year-plan includes highway, bridge, rail, transit and airport projects.

"This plan allows us to move forward with important projects, such as the widening of I-93 and replacing the Memorial Bridge, that will stimulate economic growth and make our citizens safer," Gov. John Lynch said.

The plan was developed by the Governor's Advisory Commission on Intermodal Transportation -- including the Executive Council and commissioner of transportation.

They worked with the DOT and received input from regional planning commissions and the general public to develop the plan over nearly three years.

Newstex ID: KRTB-0379-46580119