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The Solution

We need to pursue both a Short and a long term solution!

The long term solution could lead to the Memorial Bridge being closed for 5 years, unless a short term solution is also pursued.  We need to convince Maine to pursue the Immediate Solution as well as the long term one.

Long Range Solution:

Maine and New Hampshire have jointly funded a strategic study of transportation requirements for the Portsmouth Kittery area.  This study will focus on the multi-modal transportation needs of the area looking at least 20 years into the future.  The study will have six public meeting sessions to gather input from the community.  This study will be complete in June 2010.

Immediate Solution:

The stimulus bill, recently passed by congress provides for funding for infrastructure projects.  NH DOT Commissioner George Campbell has proposed a plan for NH and ME to jointly apply for stimulus monies to repair both the Memorial and Sarah Mildred Long bridges and to improve port facilities in Portsmouth.  The plan would request $125 million, and would completely pay for the capital improvements for both bridges.  And it would do much more!

Some of the benefits of this proposal are:

• Preservation of the historic character of the seaport area
• Preserve important truck facilities and routes
• Maintain interstate rail service
• Provide dependable freight service to PNS    
• Improved service for ocean/river transport
• Free up Maine's funds for other critical state projects