1/13/00 3019s

2000 SESSION

99-0160

04/01

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION 6

ANALYSIS

This house joint resolution encourages the revitalization of the northern rail line from Concord to Lebanon and recognizes its interim recreational uses.

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1/13/00 3019s

99-0160

04/01

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand

Whereas, between 1835 and the early 1900's, railroad surveys were completed, charters granted, and construction completed creating over 1,200 miles of corridors of commerce, opening the state of New Hampshire for economic and recreational development, creating many towns and providing sustenance and opportunity for hundreds of thousands of New Hampshire citizens; and

Whereas, the country and the world are experiencing extraordinary growth of new technology rail transportation systems, to convey both freight and passengers in a most environmentally friendly, safe, and economic manner; and

Whereas, the establishment of a balanced multimodal transportation system is necessary to ensure 21st century industrial development, economic vitality, environmental sustainability, and competitive advantage for all residents and businesses; and

Whereas, the northern rail corridor is currently being utilized and enjoyed by many members of the public including snowmobilers, pedestrians, and bicyclists, for recreational purposes with economic benefit to the communities along the corridor; and

Whereas, the revitalization of the northern rail corridor between Concord and Lebanon with rail service would likely promote greater economic growth and development along the corridor and in communities beyond the corridor, and would likely help New Hampshire to achieve optimum economic development into the 21st century; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:

That the northern rail corridor from Concord to Lebanon be revitalized with active rail service and all appropriate industrial and commercial opportunities related thereto be developed in accordance with local master plans; and

That rail carriers, private corporations, state and federal governments, and all other interested parties be encouraged to work cooperatively toward the redevelopment of the northern rail corridor and toward identifying the issues necessary for such redevelopment; and

That it shall be the policy of the state of New Hampshire that the highest and best use of the northern rail corridor shall be to restore the rail line with active rail service, but that until such time as rail restoration is economically feasible, the corridor should be made available as a recreation trail for non-motorized users and snowmobiles; and

That a rail advisory council be organized to advise the commissioner of the department of transportation on railroad policy matters including revitalization of the northern rail line; and

That the recent study conducted by a group of students from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College be utilized in any planning and viability studies associated with the revitalization of the rail line; and

That the house clerk send copies of this resolution to the governor, the speaker of the house, the senate president, the commissioner of the department of transportation, the commissioner of the department of resources and economic development, and the state library.

(Approved: February 16, 2000)