Relative to making an appropriation to the Carroll, Strafford, and Coos county freight rail improvement projects.
Impact
The bill's appropriation is contingent upon the receipt of matching private funds, which ensures that there is additional financial backing for these projects. This stipulation could encourage public-private partnerships aimed at improving transportation infrastructure. The funds are primarily purposed for enhancing rail systems that have previously received state funding, thereby building upon past investments and efforts toward improving the efficiency and safety of freight transportation in New Hampshire.
Summary
House Bill 199 proposes a capital appropriation of $500,000 each for the improvements of freight rail systems in Carroll, Strafford, and Coos counties. The bill aims to enhance the transportation infrastructure by supporting projects that facilitate railway improvements, which could positively impact local economies and transportation efficiency. By allocating these funds, the bill acknowledges the need for modernizing freight rail and potentially increasing the accessibility of goods and services in these regions.
Contention
While support for freight rail improvements is generally broad, potential contention may arise concerning the funding mechanism and the reliance on private matching funds. This dependency might raise questions about the feasibility of the projects if private contributions are not secured. Critics may argue that relying on private funding could lead to inconsistencies in project completion and execution, potentially sidelining the needs of public infrastructure in favor of private interests.
To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022.