Donald Castle

I support this bill because New Hampshire’s lakes and waterways are essential to our quality of life and our economy. They attract visitors and new residents, support our businesses and schools, and help provide the workforce our communities and employers need to grow. Road salt runoff can contaminate groundwater and surface waters, harming lakes and rivers and contributing to harmful cyanobacteria blooms, all of which discourage vacationer and new residents. This bill establishes a modest $4 per ton fee, providing funds would help municipalities, businesses, and the state invest in certified winter maintenance practices, including better equipment and training that reduce salt use, improve efficiency, and lower long-term operating and cleanup costs. By helping communities use salt more effectively, this bill protects water quality while saving taxpayer dollars and maintaining safe winter roads.