Concord Ledger

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) – a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee – and U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Representatives Annie Kuster (NH-02) and Chris Pappas (NH-01) announced that the New Hampshire Department of Transportation will receive $20 million in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to support the General Sullivan Bridge Bicycle and Pedestrian Crossing project in Rockingham and Strafford Counties. Just last year, the congressional delegation announced a similar RAISE grant for more than $19.5 million for an infrastructure project in Berlin. The bipartisan infrastructure law, which Shaheen and Hassan negotiated, significantly increased funding for the RAISE program.

Specifically, the project will replace the General Sullivan Bridge with a new two-girder superstructure to re-open the multi-use path across Little Bay that provides a link between Newington and Dover. The federal grant, which members of the congressional delegation supported, will be allocated through the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant program.

“I’m thrilled to see these federal funds coming to New Hampshire to support the construction of a new bicycle and pedestrian bridge in place of the current General Sullivan Bridge,” said Senator Shaheen, who wrote a letter of support for the project. “This project will enhance the quality of life for local residents and tourists, as well as ensure the continued economic vitality of New Hampshire’s Seacoast communities. I was happy to advocate on behalf of this project, and I look forward to seeing it’s positive impact the Seacoast.”

“I am thrilled that New Hampshire is getting this significant federal funding for the General Sullivan Bridge Project,” said Senator Hassan, who also wrote a letter of support for the project. “We crafted and passed into law the bipartisan infrastructure to make projects like this possible, and I was proud to advocate for this direct funding for the General Sullivan Bridge Project. This new bridge will be a game-changer for families and businesses across the Seacoast.”

“This significant federal funding heading to New Hampshire to replace and improve the General Sullivan Bridge is an important investment in our state’s economy and public safety,” said Congresswoman Kuster. “New Hampshire will continue to benefit from the critical projects supported by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill to modernize and strengthen our infrastructure, boosting our economy and quality of life — a win-win.”

“It is welcome news that these federal funds are being awarded to New Hampshire to replace General Sullivan Bridge and re-open the multi-use pathway that is a critical link to a wider regional network for bikers and pedestrians,” said Congressman Pappas. “I helped pass the bipartisan infrastructure law to modernize aging infrastructure, and this investment will make a tremendous difference for New Hampshire's economy and quality of life.”

“This is great news for New Hampshire. This $20 million grant will have a very positive impact on our state. Not only will it help ensure this long-awaited project to replace the aged General Sullivan Bridge with a new and modern Bicycle and Pedestrian bridge moves ahead to construction, but it will also help us solidify our highway program for the rest of the fiscal year,” said New Hampshire Department of Transportation Commissioner, William Cass.

As a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Shaheen historically secures robust funding for the RAISE grant program, which is formerly known as the BUILD or TIGER grant programs. In the fiscal year 2023 government funding legislation that was signed into law, Shaheen worked to include $800 million for the RAISE program. Shaheen and Hassan negotiated and helped pass into law the bipartisan infrastructure law, which provided $7.5 billion for the RAISE grant program. 

Original source can be found here.