DOT 174-09
Friday, October 30, 2009
Contact: Jill Zuckman
Tel: 202-366-4570
U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood Tours Manchester Airport Access Road Construction Site
Recovery Act Funds Help Accelerate Project Completion by Two Years
Manchester, NH - U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today joined New Hampshire Governor John Lynch, U.S. Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter and New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NHDOT) Commissioner George Campbell at a press conference to discuss how the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) is helping to get New Hampshire and the nation’s economy back on track.
Before the press conference, the group toured the Manchester Airport Access Road construction site. Thanks to Recovery Act funds, the project will be completed two years ahead of schedule. Construction began in August 2007 and is scheduled to be completed in July 2012.
“I’m glad to be back in New Hampshire to get a fresh look at how this state is investing Recovery Act dollars to improve transportation and create good-paying jobs,” said Secretary LaHood. “Working together, we’re going to revitalize our economy, save jobs, and make long-term investments in the kind of infrastructure that the people of New Hampshire need and deserve.”
“Here in New Hampshire we have worked quickly to get Recovery funds out the door so that we can put people to work and improve our transportation infrastructure. These funds have allowed us to accelerate important projects for New Hampshire’s transportation future,” Governor Lynch said. “I want to thank Secretary LaHood for again taking time to come and see firsthand how we have invested these federal dollars on projects that will improve safety and economic development here in New Hampshire.”
“The Manchester Airport Access Road construction site project is critical for New Hampshire economic development,” said Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter. “This is another shining example of how responsible investments of tax dollars benefit New Hampshire, create jobs, and stimulate our economy.”
The project, which will create a new, two-mile highway, will provide access to 1,000 acres of prime industrial and commercial land for economic development in Londonderry, New Hampshire. The total cost of the project is estimated at $175 million, of which $15 million is ARRA funded. According to NHDOT, the project has employed over 200 people and created 26 full-time jobs as a result of ARRA funding.
The U.S. Department of Transportation is making $48.1 billion available for highway, road, transit, bridge and airport construction and repairs nationwide. Of the $129.4 million available in Recovery Act funds for highway and bridge construction for New Hampshire, $120.8 million or 93 percent has been obligated. Overall, contractor bids have averaged ten percent below project estimates.
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