The 2021-2022 NH legislative season winds down with good outcomes for the various bills supported by BWANH, our members, and our affiliates. The following bills have been signed by Governor Sununu or will be in the coming days.
HB-1579 as introduced by Rep. Linda Gould at the request of NHRTC updates the Recreational Use Statutes to indemnify railroad operators if “Rail-with-Trail” (RwT) is allowed on their property. The first application of this bill is for the Manchester-Concord rail corridor now that CSX Railroad has purchased all Pan Am lines. The RwT connection between Manchester and Concord is a critical segment for the completion of the 120-mile Granite State Rail Trail going from Salem to Lebanon. (Learn more about Rail with Trail here on the Rail-to-Trails Conservancy website.)
HB-1109 pertains to OHRV operation on Class IV, V, and VI roads with abutter notification and approval of local authorities plus the ability to rescind approvals if an abutter proves damage or deterioration due to OHRV traffic.
HB-1188 establishes a commission to study OHRV use in the state and requires the commission to submit annual reports and proposed legislation. BWANH and NHRTC worked hard to have non-motorized organizations represented on the commission.
HB-1562 clarifies the use of mobile electronic devices while driving to allow better enforcement of distracted driving regulations.
SB-306 enhances penalties for distracted driving convictions basically increasing each prior penalty to the next level, i.e. violation to Class B Misdemeanor, B to A, A Misdemeanor to Class B Felony, B to A Felony.
HB-311 Study Committee on rail trail best management procedures continues its work with an open question about how calcium chloride used for dust control impacts wildlife, vegetation, water quality, fish, and trail users inhaling that salt compound. A draft report covering all five previous meetings is being prepared by NHRTC. The next meeting will be in July.
SB-185 that launched the State Rail Trail Plan Update project in 2019 held the last Advisory Committee meeting on May 3 with additional written comments from all represented groups accepted until May 20. NHRTC submitted many comments collected from NH rail trail organizations. A critical chapter on rail trail prioritization, funding for development, and on-going supervision was not available. The project completion date of July 2022 seems unlikely at this time.
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Derry Exit 4A rail trail update:
We are still pushing hard for the tunnel!
June 2022 Update:
Despite a request for a meeting with NHDOT, FHWA, NHDHR, elected state officials, and rail trail advocates since mid-February, no date has been proposed. Constructions of Section “A” for the Route 93 Interchange has been approved but no word about Section “B” plans that include the rail trail crossing of the new connector road. (But the new road has a name agreed upon by Derry and Londonderry: the “Olde Rum Trail.”)
Many letters and emails continue to be sent to anyone having possible influence in having the tunnel plan restored. Two “new” groups are now involved: seniors and disabled veterans. Many of their members use wheelchairs, special hand-powered tricycles, and mobility devices to get around and rail trails are perfect given the terrain and smooth surface. The proposed “spaghetti trail alternative” could not be navigated by these users. Rail trail design is meant to accommodate all expected users, which is also considering the bike-ped traffic volume. The Derry section of the Granite State Rail Trail is expected to see 2,500-7,800 users per day based on NHDOT estimates. Just imagine that volume of traffic on a 10-foot wide paved trail going down and up long 5% grades mixed with 90 and 180 degree turns. Skilled cyclists on their own could navigate such a trail but add the expected bi-directional traffic volume mixed with seniors, wounded veterans, and the disabled, and you have nothing but a guaranteed disaster.
Note that some people oppose tunnels thinking they must be dark, damp, dreary, scary, and graffiti magnets. Take a look at the rail trail artwork already done in Derry and how the Manchester Piscataquog Rail Trail tunnel looks today. Tunnels can be artistic showplaces. Add the lighting as planned for the Derry tunnel and you will have a tourist attraction, not just a rail trail suitable for all expected users.
