New Hampshire Senate Bill Would Increase Tolls for Drivers Without State EZ Pass

New Hampshire EZ Pass owners could keep their 30% discount with no toll increase, but the state would institute a toll increase for all other users under a bill heard by the House Public Works and Highways Committee during a public hearing for Senate Bill 627-FN on Tuesday, March 31. The bill was heard with no opposition.

According to the InDepthNH.org website, Senate Bill 627-FN would raise tolls for drivers without a New Hampshire EZ Pass to fund New Hampshire's 10-year highway plan. 

If enacted, New Hampshire EZ Pass users would pay $1.40 at Hampton (I-95), while non-New Hampshire EZ Pass users would pay $4 there.

Sen. David Watters, D-Dover, the bill's prime sponsor, said the bill is “vital to New Hampshire's economic future.” Watters referred to a national TRIP report published on Monday, March 30, which demonstrated the state's needs for more infrastructure funding and noted that federal dollars normally used for such funding are no longer available.

“It's now on us,” he said to source the funds to perform the required improvements.

Several factors led to the creation of the bill. The Executive Council of the Governor's Advisory Council on Intermodal Transportation has refused to increase toll rates since 2007. Since that time, road construction costs have risen, and the need is outpacing the state's capacity. The state is also facing a hefty repayment rate on $200 million in loans for improvements to I-93.

According to InDepthNH.org, the measure targets infrastructure underfunding through major projects such as the $780 million I-89 widening in Bow and the $280 million reconstruction of I-93 exits 6 and 7 in Manchester, among others.

Amy Charbonneau, highway director for Continental Paving, which the state contracts for various bid projects and employs 330 people, said the bill is “super important” for economic and safety development.

“Our roads are way better than Massachusetts,” she said, commenting that she does not think the state wants to become like Massachusetts.

If enacted, the bill would require Massachusetts drivers to pay the costs of highway safety projects.

New Hampshire Gov. Kelly Ayotte has not committed to this bill one way or the other.