New Hampshire Mulls Toll Increases to Fund Highway Projects

New Hampshire is considering raising tolls and the gas tax to fund highway safety projects that have been delayed due to funding shortages. These ideas for addressing budget issues were discussed during a public hearing on Thursday, Sept. 25.

According to a Concord Monitor report, one of the projects most affected by these delays is the $370 million expansion of Interstates 93 and 89 through Concord and Bow, a plan designed to improve safety amid numerous crashes and fatalities.

Many projects, such as Allenstown's Main Street, Dunbarton's Pages Corner, and Hopkinton's Fountain Square, have been entirely expunged from New Hampshire's 10-year Department of Transportation plan. 

Additionally, Boscawen's King Street project has also had its construction funding terminated. King Street, where U.S. 4 East and West and U.S. 3 North converge, is an integral part of the town's commercial district.

Individuals such as Bow representative Eleana Colby and Boscawen's Lorrie Carey stressed the urgent need for funding to address safety concerns on critical roadways.

“Please, please find funding. It's not an expensive project,” Carey said in a statement shared with the Concord Monitor. “It's not your fault, DOT. We know that our road tolls are the lowest in New England. We've underfunded you.”

Tobey Reynolds, assistant director of project development for the state transportation agency, noted during the hearing that New Hampshire has the “lowest cost per mile” for tolls in the country. A $1 increase at major toll plazas would still leave New Hampshire ranked 26th out of 32 for toll rates per mile.

Raising tolls, however, isn't something the legislature can choose to decide like the gas tax. It must be approved through the Executive Council and the governor.