Select Board backs letter urging toll changes to fund Bow–Concord I‑93 improvements

The Bow Select Board voted Oct. 14 to send a letter to state leaders urging support for toll‑funded projects that would reopen funding for the Bow–Concord widening and related turnpike corridor work.

Selectman Flanagan proposed the board express support for the state Department of Transportation’s idea to raise toll revenues to finance a 10‑year plan; he said the board’s letter could be neutral in detail but should make clear the town wants the projects advanced. Several board members said a less‑specific statement would be easier to approve unanimously.

Business owner and former AGC of New Hampshire president Ryan Audley told the board that turnpike projects are financed by toll revenue and that federal highway funds cannot be used to pay for turnpike reconstruction. “The way that happens is by raising the tolls, period,” he said, urging coordination with the DOT’s proposal to preserve discounts for New Hampshire residents while increasing revenue from out‑of‑state users.

Board members discussed options the DOT has floated, including congestion pricing, commuter subscription passes and resident discounts. Some members pressed for more data on the total funding need and the potential impact on residents; others argued that a broadly worded letter supporting the approach and urging resident rate neutrality would demonstrate community support without committing to specific rate levels.

The board voted to send a letter in support of toll adjustments (framed to favor revenue neutrality for local residents) to the Executive Council and governor to help secure funding for the Exit 1/ I‑93 Bow–Concord improvement project and other prioritized corridor work. The vote was recorded as unanimous in the meeting audio.

Next steps: staff will finalize the letter language consistent with the motion and transmit it to state officials.