HJR 0002

A RESOLUTION directing the department of transportation not to proceed with construction of a new visitor's center at the Intervale scenic vista in North Conway without approval of the Conway design review committee and the Conway board of selectmen.

SPONSORS: Rep. Dickinson, Carr 2; Rep. Sullivan, Carr 2; Rep. Mock, Carr 3

COMMITTEE: Public Works and Highways

This house joint resolution directs the department of transportation not to proceed with construction of a new visitor's center at the Intervale scenic vista in North Conway without approval of the Conway design review committee and the Conway board of selectmen.

Whereas, the significance of the scenic resources of New Hampshire has been recognized through the designation of the White Mountain National Scenic Highway; and

Whereas, the views from the Intervale scenic vista in North Conway are an integral part of the White Mountain National Scenic Highway; and

Whereas, these views of New Hampshire's White Mountains have been made famous by artists and photographers and have been enjoyed through the years by countless tourists from this country and from abroad; and

Whereas, tourism is a significant sector of the state economy generating in excess of $3.4 billion annually; and

Whereas, most significantly, the view from the Intervale scenic vista is treasured by the residents of the Mount Washington valley as a hallmark to their community; and

Whereas, the department of transportation proposed the construction of a new visitor's facility at the scenic vista that would have had a substantial negative aesthetic impact upon this internationally significant resource; and

Whereas, the former department of transportation commissioner Leon Kenison, recognizing that the proposed facility was in fact inappropriate and ill-advised, directed department staff to redesign the facility; and

Whereas, to his credit, former commissioner Kenison pledged to the Mount Washington valley community that local residents would be involved in redesigning the facility, and to that end designated the town of Conway design review committee as the means of involving residents; and

Whereas, the Conway design review committee has worked diligently and conscientiously with department of transportation staff to design an appropriate facility; and

Whereas, the department of transportation may not be willing to comply with suggestions and concerns of the committee; now, therefore, be it

That the department of transportation is directed not to proceed with construction of a new visitor's center at the Intervale scenic vista in North Conway without approval of the Conway design review committee and the Conway board of selectmen.