NH Senate Passes SB 185, to Fund Rail Trail Study

CONCORD—Today, the New Hampshire Senate passed SB 185, to establish a rail trail advisory committee to assist the Department of Transportation in updating the state trails plan and provides a General Fund appropriation of $200,000 to the DOT in FY 2020 to complete the study. Senator Jay Kahn (D-Keene), prime sponsor of the bill, and Senator Sharon Carson (R-Londonderry) issued the following statements:

“Now is the time to establish a rail trail advisory committee and provide funding to update the state rail trails plan. I applaud the Senate’s bipartisan work to increase funding for municipal rail trails and shared maintenance agreements which will boost tourism and economic development opportunities along the trails,” said Senator Kahn.

“I am pleased to support legislation to update the New Hampshire rail trail plan and give more people the opportunity to enjoy this expansive network of trails across the state,” said Senator Carson. “In Londonderry, the rail trail is utilized by everyone from young families with children to senior citizens who like to remain active and we have even seen economic growth along the trail as people shop at businesses on the route. I would love to see a rail trail span across the state, a true possibility, and look forward to the rail trail advisory committee exploring all possibilities the Granite State has to offer.”