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Nashua wins $250,000 commuter-rail study grant; city flags bridge, TIF and local projects
Summary
Director Sullivan said Nashua received $250,000 in congressionally directed spending to complete a 12‑month commuter-rail study and outlined related longer-term projects including a developer-built Mohawk Tannery pedestrian bridge (city-funded, ~$3M), several near-term transportation projects, and a planned TIF-backed riverfront buildout.
Nashua’s community development director told the ad hoc committee he will use a $250,000 congressionally directed grant to restart a commuter-rail study and to update ridership, cost and financing plans for a Nashua-only extension.
"We've been pleased to hear... that we were actually funded to do this work, at an amount of $250,000," said Director Sullivan, who said the funding will support the same AECOM scope previously proposed. He said the study carries a 12‑month timeline that will likely start in October or November, depending on when the grant agreement is signed.
Sullivan said the $250,000 will cover updating key project metrics and identifying possible construction funding sources; he added a later 30% design phase for a Nashua extension would likely cost $2–$3 million and would require federal or other grant funding and potential local match.
Sullivan also reviewed local infrastructure items tied to redevelopment plans. He said the proposed Mohawk Tannery pedestrian bridge — a developer-designed and -constructed public benefit for the tannery redevelopment — is currently estimated at roughly $3,000,000 and will ultimately be funded by the city, which may seek bond authorization in the coming year.
"This is a bridge that will connect those two sides of the water body," Sullivan said, describing the connection between the Mohawk tannery and Mine Falls Park. He noted Mine Falls Park Advisory and the Board of Public Works must still issue approvals before construction.
Committee members clarified that the Nimco developer remains contractually responsible for building a promised dog park, though Sullivan said staff will present an amendment that sets a maximum price and addresses site challenges such as the floodway and an on-site radio tower.
Sullivan also reminded the committee that the riverfront TIF was expanded into the Mill Yard, and that design requests and future TIF revenue are expected to support incremental riverfront improvements, including pedestrian connections and play spaces.
No votes or funding approvals were requested at Thursday’s meeting; staff said they would return with formal appropriation and bond requests as projects proceed.
