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Bill to bar state funding for new passenger rail projects draws split testimony; DOT warns wording may be too broad
Summary
House Bill 100 would bar the use of state funds for new passenger rail projects; sponsors framed it as a fiscal safeguard against repeated, costly rail studies, while DOT and business groups warned the draft is overly broad and could block existing services and loan programs.
Representative Ross Barry introduced House Bill 100, which would prohibit the use of state funds for new passenger rail projects. Barry said his intent is to stop recurring spending on the Nashua–Manchester–Concord commuter rail project (project number cited in testimony) and argued the project has been studied repeatedly without producing sustainable ridership.
"This commuter rail project ... is fetch. It is never gonna happen," Barry said, urging the Legislature to stop spending on studies and planning for a corridor he described as unlikely to be used at commuter volumes.
The hearing produced sharply divided testimony. Supporters of the measure emphasized fiscal priorities and the high cost of subsidizing passenger rail. Representative Jess Edwards, a co‑sponsor, said budgets require prioritization and argued New Hampshire should not adopt new recurring spending obligations…
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