New Hampshire House approves plan to sell non-turnpike rest areas for commercial use

The House Finance Division I of the New Hampshire Legislature convened on March 21, 2025, to discuss a significant amendment concerning the future of non-turnpike rest areas and welcome centers. Representative Sweeney introduced Amendment 2025-1224-H, which aims to authorize the Department of Transportation (DOT) to sell or lease these facilities for commercial purposes. The proposed changes are intended to alleviate operational costs and redirect funds to the highway fund.

The amendment stipulates that the sale or lease of these properties should be completed by July 1, 2026. This timeline is designed to ensure that the associated employee costs, which currently draw from the general fund, can be eliminated in the next fiscal year. The discussion highlighted the potential savings of approximately $2.3 million in general funds if the amendment is enacted.

Concerns were raised regarding the feasibility of selling these properties within the proposed timeline. Some representatives questioned whether the towns would have input in the sale process and expressed the need for a thorough analysis of the properties' values and potential impacts on local communities. Representative Rung emphasized the importance of understanding the assets involved before proceeding with sales, suggesting that a more detailed study would be prudent.

Additionally, there were discussions about the implications of federal regulations on the commercialization of these rest areas. Representative Eagle proposed an amendment to ensure compliance with federal law, which was met with general agreement among committee members.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the need for further refinement of the amendment's language to address concerns about federal restrictions and the timeline for sales. The committee aims to balance the urgency of reducing operational costs with the necessity of ensuring a thoughtful approach to the sale of state assets. The next steps will involve drafting amendments that incorporate these considerations before a final vote on the proposal.