Committee Summary for House Public Works and Highways (01/20/2026)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
HB1057 00:04:23.759 - 9:02:25 AM	Public Hearing	relative to the maintenance of private roads held in common ownership.	Aylward, Deborah(R)[B+]2025
HB1193 00:37:57.520 - 9:35:59 AM	Public Hearing	naming a 911 call service center in Laconia in honor of Bruce G. Cheney.	St. Clair, Charlie(D)[D-]2025
HB1543 01:03:56.559 - 10:01:58 AM	Public Hearing	relative to the transfer of state-owned real property to municipalities.	Miles, Julie(R)[A-]2025
HB2026 03:04:30.720 - 12:02:32 PM	Public Hearing	relative to the state 10-year transportation improvement plan.	Milz, David(R)[B]2025
HB1057 05:04:30.000 - 2:02:32 PM	Executive Session	relative to the maintenance of private roads held in common ownership.	Aylward, Deborah(R)[B+]2025
HB1193 05:08:58.560 - 2:07:00 PM	Executive Session	naming a 911 call service center in Laconia in honor of Bruce G. Cheney.	St. Clair, Charlie(D)[D-]2025
HB1543 05:15:26.400 - 2:13:28 PM	Executive Session	relative to the transfer of state-owned real property to municipalities.	Miles, Julie(R)[A-]2025
HB2026 05:25:40.560 - 2:23:42 PM	General Working Session	relative to the state 10-year transportation improvement plan.	Milz, David(R)[B]2025

HB1057: Deborah Lord, Representative for Merrimack District 5 (Andover, Danbury, Hill, Salisbury, Webster) Support00:04:23.759 - 9:02:25 AM; Deborah Lord, representing Merrimack District 5, testified in support of HB 1057, explaining that the bill originated from needs of mortgage lenders for predictable maintenance on private roads without HOAs or agreements. She shared firsthand experience with disputes on private roads lacking governing entities, leading to conflicts over maintenance, snow plowing, repairs, access, and cost sharing. The bill provides default rules and remedies to resolve disputes lawfully, reducing volatility, violence, litigation, disrepair, and risks to emergency access. She highlighted a needed correction in Roman 1B from 'majority of owners' to 'unanimous consent' to ensure due process without bylaws. Lord distinguished private roads in common ownership from class 6 roads, noting owners' undivided interests and proportional or equitable cost sharing. The bill allows independent maintenance with reimbursement remedies and addresses obstructions interfering with access. It codifies case law on reasonableness, notice, and dispute resolution without creating new rights. Finally, it modernizes the definition of maintenance to include snow and ice removal for public safety, benefiting emergency and utility workers. She offered to answer questions.
HB1057: Representative Vulgar Information Only00:13:48.000 - 9:11:50 AM; Representative Vulgar asked a question about page two, section five, line four of the bill, inquiring whether an owner causing damage while plowing snow on a private road is individually responsible for repair within 5 days or if it is a joint effort.
HB1057: Representative Howard Information Only00:14:36.320 - 9:12:38 AM; Responds to committee questions on liability for snowplow damage, emphasizing that co-owners own the entire road and are responsible for maintenance and damage, with notice required.
HB1057: Representative Faulner Information Only00:15:22.079 - 9:13:24 AM; Questions the applicability of the bill to private roads, noting most are easements rather than common ownership, and suggests extending it to all private roads for clarity.
HB1057: Representative Howard Information Only00:16:46.000 - 9:14:48 AM; Agrees that extending the bill to all private roads (not class six) would be effective due to confusion between private roads and easements, and supports clarifying governance.
HB1057: Representative Brown Information Only00:18:12.240 - 9:16:14 AM; Asks about the bill's origin; Howard explains personal experience since 2006, a 2012 incident involving a forced maintenance agreement for Fannie Mae financing, and widespread confusion statewide, including spiteful disruptions.
HB1057: Unidentified Representative Information Only00:19:32.160 - 9:17:34 AM; Asks if the bill impacts towns' concerns about accepting private roads; Howard confirms it does not, focusing only on individual property rights.
HB1057: Representative Jack Information Only00:20:38.159 - 9:18:40 AM; Discloses living on a private road covered by the bill and asks about impact on condominium associations; Howard states no impact without a homeowners association, focusing on maintenance governance.
HB1057: Representative Boyd Information Only00:21:56.720 - 9:19:58 AM; Questions integration with RSA 674:71 on building permits and waivers; Howard confirms it remains unchanged as a default waiver for towns.
HB1057: Unidentified Representative Information Only00:23:07.039 - 9:21:09 AM; Suggests making it enabling legislation for municipalities; Howard opposes, citing public safety as a state interest with no municipal role in private roads.
HB1057: Representative Boger Information Only00:24:17.919 - 9:22:19 AM; Hypothetical on forcing a homeowner to pave a gravel road; Howard says no under the bill, requiring unanimous consent, though courts could decide otherwise.
HB1057: Jason Stock, Executive Director, New Hampshire Timberland Owners Association Oppose00:25:46.720 - 9:23:48 AM; Opposes HB 1057, arguing it expands 2019 law (RSA 231:81-a) meant to address Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac financing for residential roads, potentially forcing timberland owners to share maintenance like snowplowing for seasonal access. Raises concerns about unanimous consent blocking culvert repairs or logging, complicating equitable sharing based on usage or frontage. Recommends ITL or retaining equitable language, as current mechanisms suffice for private negotiations; opposes municipal involvement.
HB1193: Representative St. Clair, District 5 Laconia Support00:37:57.520 - 9:35:59 AM; Presents the bill to honor Bruce Cheney, founder of NH's 911 system in 1993, who implemented it under budget, visited nearly every town to promote it, and pioneered emergency medical advice integration, making NH first in the nation. Emphasizes Cheney's lifelong public service and the appropriateness of honoring him while alive.
HB1193: Robert Quinn, Department of Safety Support00:46:06.960 - 9:44:08 AM; Highlights Cheney's vision and hands-on work in the 1990s without modern resources, his military and police background, and foundational role in NH's 911 system. Notes the Laconia center as one of two statewide facilities, honoring his public service.
HB1193: Mark Doyle, Director, Department of Safety Support00:49:04.000 - 9:47:06 AM; Supports naming the Laconia PSAP after Cheney for his 23-year leadership in unifying and modernizing NH's 911 system, positioning it as a national model with innovations for next-gen tech. Emphasizes his standardization efforts, commitment to efficient emergency response, and enduring impact on public safety.
HB1543: Representative Julie Miles, Hillsborough County District 12, Town of Merrimack Support01:03:56.559 - 10:01:58 AM; Representative Miles introduced HB 1543, emphasizing that it addresses fairness and protects local taxpayers from unexpected costs of assuming state-owned infrastructure without due process or funding. She highlighted the issue with Continental Boulevard in Merrimack but stressed it's a statewide concern. The bill requires advanced notice, public hearings, municipal input, condition reports, rehab by the state, and transition assistance to ensure transparent transfers. She distinguished it from HB 561, noting HB 1543 is more balanced, engaging governing and legislative bodies, and preventing unfunded mandates without prohibiting transfers. She urged support to protect taxpayers and maintain trust between state and municipalities.
HB1543: Senator Tim McCormack, representing Merrimack, Milford, Amherst, and Wilton Support01:16:29.120 - 10:14:31 AM; Senator McCormack supported HB 1543, addressing concerns about Continental Boulevard and broader implications for state roads in his district. He provided historical context, noting the road was built for regional access from the FE Everett Turnpike to Route 101A, serving commerce and commuters beyond Merrimack, with high traffic counts indicating it's not local. He refuted claims of surprise, arguing despite discussions, many taxpayers remain unaware of costs like $2.1 million for repaving. He emphasized the bill fills gaps in current law by adding transparency, public input, and conditions for reclassification or turnback, protecting localities from forced burdens. He noted bipartisan sponsorship and urged positive consideration to ensure fairness and predictability.
HB1543: Eric Sergeant, Bureau Administrator, Right of Way Bureau, NH Department of Transportation Oppose01:35:33.360 - 10:33:35 AM; Eric Sergeant explained the current process under RSAs for disposing of surplus state-owned property unencumbered by highways and reclassifying bypass portions of class one or two highways to class five when no longer needed for state purposes. He noted municipalities receive highway block grant aid for class five roads. Maintaining class five-like roads diverts resources from major state highways used for travel, tourism, and commerce. He clarified 'local purpose' as roads not for through travel by the general public but for local town use, distinguishing from major state systems.
HB1543: Steve Levante, Chief of Legal Legislative Affairs, NH Department of Transportation Information Only01:39:30.239 - 10:37:32 AM; Steve Levante provided examples and context on reclassifications, noting no major instances in 20 years but ongoing discussions since 2012 with Windham on Route 111A, a local-serving road. He described the process involving commissioner determinations, notifications, and municipal responses, emphasizing it's not abrupt. For Continental Boulevard, he clarified it's not a typical reclassification but legislatively mandated by July 1, 2029, via operation of law from the 10-year plan. He detailed discontinuance processes under RSA 230 for pre-1945 roads and noted no formal process for dissolving unbuilt projects like the circumferential highway, leading to a developed internal procedure with public outreach.
HB2026: Representative Edgar, NH House Information Only03:04:30.720 - 12:02:32 PM; Introduced the bill HB 2026 for the 2025 10-year transportation plan update, noting it covers 2027-2036, and invited DOT to present details.
HB2026: Bill Cass, Commissioner, NH DOT Information Only03:05:18.720 - 12:03:20 PM; Provided an overview of the 10-year plan update, introduced team members including Toby Reynolds, Steve Labonte, Glenn Davidson, and Denise Sherburn. Described the plan document, handouts, transmittal letters, and GACIT recommendations including a dissenting minority report. Passed to Toby Reynolds for detailed presentation.
HB2026: Toby Reynolds, Director of Project Development, NH DOT Information Only03:06:11.439 - 12:04:13 PM; Presented funding overview of $4.5 billion over 10 years, including breakdowns for federal ($275M/year), turnpike ($60M/year), state ($45M/year), and other modes (aeronautics $23M, rail $1M, transit $43M). Discussed strategies focusing on maintenance, preservation, safety, and core assets. Covered state funding impacts from SB 367 debt service and betterment projections. Explained federal funding challenges: level funding assumption, inflation rate increase to 4.4% adding $93M, indirect cost rate to 12% adding $47M, delayed projects adding $130M, leading to $400M overprogramming. Prioritized maintenance ($1.4B), red list bridges, non-red list preservation, and LPA projects; removed/delayed 49 projects to reduce overprogramming to $100M. For turnpike, noted flat revenue, increased costs, and challenges with projects like Nashua-Merrimack-Bedford (completion 2031), Bow-Concord (design continues, no construction funding, $75M for bridges), and Manchester I-293 exits 6/7 (interim safety project included). Solicited feedback on toll increases for safety projects. Covered Transportation Alternatives Program with 17 projects funded at $33M. Summarized public hearing themes: support for maintenance, advocacy for local projects, support for toll/gas tax increases, and GACIT changes adding 11 projects.
HB2026: Steve Labonte, Hearing Examiner and Legislative Liaison, NH DOT Information Only03:37:56.960 - 12:35:58 PM; Summarized GACIT actions adding 11 projects ($24M) and including Manchester exits 6/7 despite funding issues; noted dissenting view on both Bow-Concord and Manchester needing equal treatment with revenue source. Mentioned ongoing Senate bill for toll increase.
HB2026: Committee Questions and DOT Responses (Various Committee Members and DOT Staff) Information Only03:40:23.520 - 12:38:25 PM; Committee questioned GACIT additions ($225M including turnpike), overall shortfall ($100M overprogrammed), bridge replacements on I-93, toll history (removals in Merrimack, 2022), F.E. Everett Turnpike completion (2031, delayed from 2029), inflation methodology (4.4% based on recent bids), indirect cost rate increase (to offset operating budget via federal funds), and Seabrook projects (42609 multipath and 41712 capacity improvements included changes from hearings). DOT responded with details on financial constraints, risk analysis, and project inclusions.
HB2026: Executive Councilor Karen Leo Hill, District 2 Oppose03:53:56.080 - 12:51:58 PM; Expressed appreciation for DOT's work but raised concerns from 8 district hearings about painful cuts compromising safety and walkability, exclusion of regional projects. Urged amending HB 2026 for consistent treatment of major turnpike projects (include both Manchester and Bow-Concord or neither) and fiscal responsibility by identifying funding sources to avoid false expectations. Supported the 11 added projects unanimously.
HB2026: Representative Dylan Dumont, Hudson Support03:59:40.399 - 12:57:42 PM; Supported HB 2026, highlighting rising costs of delayed projects and noting Hudson's added shovel-ready project as a success story.
HB2026: Representative Khan, Seabrook Support04:00:32.960 - 12:58:34 PM; Supported two Seabrook projects: 41712 (US Route 1 capacity improvements between New Zealand Road and Hampton Falls) and 42609 (rail trail/multipath on B&M), noting prior inclusion, removal, and reinstatement via GACIT and governor. Emphasized importance for traffic avoiding I-95 tolls, nuclear power plant evacuation, recent Route 107 widening cooperation, $2M exaction fees available, and upcoming Hampton Beach project impacts.
HB2026: Representative Christine Perez, Londonderry Support04:05:43.760 - 1:03:45 PM; First-time testifier, presented letter from Executive Councilor Stevens advocating for Londonderry project 41593 (safety improvements for 2028-2029), describing it as a huge safety issue.
HB2026: Representative Christine Perez, Londonderry Support04:06:31.840 - 1:04:33 PM; Representative Perez testified about the dangerous intersection of NH 28 and 128 in Londonderry, highlighting safety issues including high traffic, minor accidents, and flooding. She urged prioritizing safety in the draft plan and accelerating project 41593, scheduled for 2028-2029, by scaling back other projects like the Stonehill Brook Bridge or rail trail phase. She emphasized that safety should take precedence over other initiatives.
HB2026: Representative Tim Han, Durham Support04:09:40.319 - 1:07:42 PM; Representative Han expressed support for the transportation plan, willing to vote for whatever the committee decides. He advocated funding both competing projects in Concord and Manchester. He highlighted a roundabout project at Route 4 and Madbury Road in Durham as beneficial despite potential local opposition. He discussed his past efforts on highway improvements like attraction signs (passed), mileage-based exit numbers (failed), and removing toll booths, noting progress on the latter. He suggested relocating toll gantries for better distribution and supported transferring road segments to the turnpike system for funding. He encouraged including more projects ambitiously, given the plan's 10-year horizon, and accepted the exclusion of mileage-based exits.
HB2026: Jason Janver, Chairman, Seabrook Planning Board Support04:14:09.439 - 1:12:11 PM; Jason Janver, on behalf of the Seabrook Planning Board, supported the plan and specifically the widening of Route 1 project. He criticized NHDOT's insistence on a full five-lane widening, which inflated costs, and suggested scaling back to two lanes northbound, one southbound, and a turn lane to reduce expenses, especially right-of-way acquisition. He noted the town's exaction fund of $1.8 million from developers to fund improvements, originally mandated for spending within six years but now donated back. He recounted past denials of developments due to lack of jurisdiction over state highways but urged prioritization without needing gas tax or toll increases.
HB2026: Eric Eie, Traffic Engineer, City of Portsmouth Support04:18:23.040 - 1:16:25 PM; Eric Eie supported project 44225, the traffic circle engineering feasibility study at a high-accident, high-volume intersection where Routes 4, 16, I-95, Route 1 Bypass, and Swallowing Turnpike converge. He described it as Portsmouth's top priority and a regional planning committee focus, added back as one of 11 projects. The study is essential for long-term solutions to backups, especially in summer tourism, benefiting safety and the economy with hotels and businesses. The city has already removed a signal and built a bypass connector, but traffic still impacts residential areas.
HB2026: Colin Lent, Transportation Planner, Strafford Regional Planning Commission Information Only04:20:09.920 - 1:18:11 PM; Colin Lent submitted testimony on behalf of the Strafford Regional Planning Commission's 18 municipalities, expressing concerns over cut projects totaling $63 million in construction delays, including safety projects in Madbury and Middleton ($5.8 million), a US Route 4 project on the Northwood-Nottingham border, NH 108 corridor improvements through Dover, Rochester, and Somersworth, and $8 million for five regional safety projects. He noted 137 fatalities in 2025 and six in 2026, underscoring safety urgency. While $25 million in new projects benefit the region via federal, state, and local funds, including $3.1 million for Farmington and Durham, he advocated increasing state funding short-term via SB 627 (toll rates) and long-term mechanisms to match construction costs, as New Hampshire lags behind.
HB2026: Owen Fra, Deputy Public Works Director, City of Manchester (reading Mayor Jay Rule's letter) Support04:24:30.640 - 1:22:32 PM; Owen Fra read a letter from Mayor Jay Rule emphasizing Manchester's role as New Hampshire's economic hub, with growth driven by investments at Hackett Hill and the former Youth Development Center. He stressed the I-293 corridor's importance for commerce, workforce mobility, and tourism, urging retention of exit 6 and 7 improvements for safety, capacity, and economic growth. Delays would hinder statewide prosperity. Fra added that the project, initially delayed to 2031-2036, was encouragingly advanced, citing VHB studies (2009-2015) showing 735 crashes (200 injuries, 6 fatalities) or annually ~123 crashes, 33 injuries, 1 fatality in the corridor. He advocated funding mechanisms to prioritize this critical area studied since 2009.
HB2026: Commissioner Cash, NHDOT Information Only04:31:37.120 - 1:29:39 PM; Commissioner Cash acknowledged public testimonies on needs and demands from GACIT hearings, explaining financial constraints limit funding despite prioritization efforts. He outlined potential solutions like toll increases and emphasized the DOT's responsible drafting of the plan. In response to questions, he discussed advocacy for funding via toll revenue (e.g., SB 627 could raise $50-55 million by adjusting discounts for NH E-ZPass holders), concerns over gas tax indexing due to operational deficits, backfilling SB 367's $20 million betterment fund gap (equivalent to ~3-cent gas tax), the 4.2-cent gas tax expiring in 2034, and sustaining ~475 miles of annual paving by using federal funds, with costs now $100-125,000 per mile for maintenance resurfacing.
HB1057: Representative Boyd Oppose05:04:30.000 - 2:02:32 PM; Representative Boyd moves to recommend HB 1057 as inexpedient to legislate, citing past extensive discussions and hearings in 2019 that led to a divided but passed bill. He prefers to leave the current law unchanged as it is working well.
HB1057: Ranking Minority Member (Representative) Oppose05:05:40.160 - 2:03:42 PM; Echoes Representative Boyd's comments, highlighting the significant stakeholder engagement in the existing law and the problems of undoing it.
HB1057: Unidentified Representative Oppose05:05:40.160 - 2:03:42 PM; Supports the motion, expressing dislike for the bill's provision requiring unanimity to start a project but allowing one person to proceed at their cost and seek recompense from others.
HB1057: Representative Faulner Oppose05:06:51.280 - 2:04:53 PM; Agrees that the legislation does not improve the process, noting recourse through courts to balance equitable interests.
HB1193: Chairman Support05:08:58.560 - 2:07:00 PM; Supports the motion for Ought to Pass (OTP), noting this is the first time a state department testified in favor while the honoree is alive, despite usual criteria preferring deceased individuals.
HB1193: Representative Clutier Support05:10:17.760 - 2:08:19 PM; Supports the bill despite past concerns with naming bills, especially for living politicians. Notes the city's favor, funding availability, Bruce Cheney's contributions to 911 services, and that he is not a politician, making an exception appropriate.
HB1193: Representative Jack Support05:10:17.760 - 2:08:19 PM; Notes the absence of standard 'shall not be a charge to the state' language but confirms representation that costs will be covered in construction.
HB1193: Unidentified Representative (from Laconia) Support05:14:12.000 - 2:12:14 PM; Thanks the committee for support, praising Bruce Cheney's over 50 years of service to New Hampshire's safety.
HB1543: Representative Jack Oppose05:15:26.400 - 2:13:28 PM; Moves for inexpedient to legislate (ITL), seconded by Representative Bowman.
HB1543: Representative Clutier Oppose05:15:26.400 - 2:13:28 PM; Supports ITL, preferring the simpler HB 1561 retained for interim study. Views HB 1543 as convoluted with executive council involvement, suggesting potential incorporation of provisions into HB 1561 later.
HB1543: Representative Bone Oppose05:16:40.320 - 2:14:42 PM; Agrees with Representative Clutier.
HB1543: Representative Boyd Support05:16:40.320 - 2:14:42 PM; Opposes ITL, arguing HB 1543 is stronger and more transparent than HB 1561, citing his community Merrimack's experience with unwanted road transfers like Continental Boulevard.
HB1543: Representative Brown Information Only05:17:35.200 - 2:15:37 PM; Questions merits of HB 1543 versus HB 1561, noting value in public input processes, and inquires about incorporating elements into the interim study bill.
HB1543: Chairman Oppose05:19:52.400 - 2:17:54 PM; Acknowledges discussion on incorporating provisions, notes HB 1543 covers most of HB 1561, references 2012 Windham example and long transparency in Merrimack's case regarding Continental Boulevard maintenance.
HB1543: Representative Newman Support05:19:52.400 - 2:17:54 PM; Continues discussion, emphasizing HB 1543's sensible provisions to prevent repeats of unnamed road impositions like Continental Boulevard.
HB2026: Unidentified Speaker Information Only05:25:40.560 - 2:23:42 PM; Discusses inability to add provisions for toll-related plans, notes a meeting with planning commission for vote to Executive Council, mentions projects can resume if tolls increase, and highlights lost time and ongoing phases for dropped projects.
HB2026: Chairman Information Only05:27:41.760 - 2:25:43 PM; Responds to query on removing Manchester 6 and 7 from the plan.
HB2026: Unidentified Representative Information Only05:27:41.760 - 2:25:43 PM; Expresses uncertainty on whether Executive Council additions to the 10-year plan are funded by anticipated revenue; suggests removing Manchester projects if not funded for transparency.
HB2026: Another Representative Information Only05:29:09.760 - 2:27:11 PM; Agrees with Counselor Hill's view to remove Manchester projects for fairness and transparency unless more revenue is confirmed.

Milz, David(Chairman)(R)[B]2025	Boyd, Bill(Clerk)(R)[C]2025	Bogert, Steven(V Chairman)(R)[B+]2025
Cloutier, John(D)[F]2025	Boehm, Ralph(R)[B]2025	Jack, Martin(D)[D-]2025
Newman, Sue(D)[F]2025	Edgar, Michael(D)[F]2025	Faulkner, Barry(D)[D-]2025
Fedolfi, Jim(R)[IN]2025	Brown, Richard(R)[B+]2025	Juris, Louis(D)[F]2025
Suiter, John(R)[B-]2025	Vallone, Mark(D)[D-]2025	Foote, Charles(R)[B]2025
Rockmore, Ellen(D)[CT]2025	Louis, Darrell(R)[B+]2025