NH Delegation Applauds Historic $225 Million Investment to Repair & Replace Bridges in NH

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Representatives Annie Kuster (NH-02) and Chris Pappas (NH-01) welcomed the Department of Transportation’s announcement of $225 million from the bipartisan infrastructure law dedicated for bridge repairs and replacements across New Hampshire. This funding is part of $26.5 billion heading to states over the next five years – the largest investment ever to improve the safety and performance of bridges. Shaheen and Hassan were key negotiators of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. In 2022, New Hampshire is expected to receive a first installment of $45 million.

“I’m thrilled to welcome a record $225 million from the bipartisan infrastructure deal to New Hampshire to update our bridges. No Granite Stater should ever worry about the safety of the bridges they drive across, which is why these once-in-a-generation investments are needed to update red-list bridges and crumbling infrastructure across the state,” said Senator Shaheen. “This announcement is a boon for Granite Staters, who will soon see projects underway and increased job creation in their communities. As a lead negotiator of the bipartisan infrastructure law that made possible this funding – the largest investment in fixing bridges ever – I’m excited to see these resources swiftly delivered to New Hampshire.”

“Ask any Granite Stater about their daily commute, or the wear and tear of their car, and they will tell you that our bridges, roads, and highways are long overdue for repairs,” said Senator Hassan. “That’s why I worked with a bipartisan group of Senators to make critical investment in our country’s infrastructure. Thanks to our bipartisan infrastructure law, New Hampshire will now be able to make desperately needed repairs to our bridges, which will improve the safety of our roads and make it easier for our businesses to transport goods. I look forward to seeing how this funding will revitalize our bridges and in turn, strengthen our entire economy.”

“New Hampshire’s bridges represent more than just a way to get from point A to point B, they are a critical component of our state’s economy and economic competitiveness,” said Rep. Kuster. “That’s why I was proud to secure funding for New Hampshire bridges in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which will deliver more than $225 million to preserve and upgrade our historic bridges for public use. I look forward to seeing the impact of these funds on our communities and will continue working to deliver critical support to the Granite State.”

“Smart investments in our roads and bridges are crucial to building a better future for New Hampshire’s workers, small businesses, and families,” said Rep. Pappas. “We have over 215 bridges that are in poor condition, and many of those need immediate attention. These federal funds will create new good-paying jobs all across our state, ensure the safety of our infrastructure, and save Granite Staters time and money by decreasing traffic and vehicle wear and tear.”

Shaheen was a lead negotiator of the historic infrastructure bill, leading provisions on broadband and water infrastructure. In June, Shaheen joined President Biden and a bipartisan group of Senators to announce the framework of the package. Shaheen joined members of the bipartisan group on the Senate floor to unveil bill text of the legislation in August. One of the 22 Senators who negotiated the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Senator Hassan lead key provisions that address coastal resiliency, high-speed internet expansion, passenger rail and cybersecurity. This package will provide a significant investment in our nation’s core infrastructure priorities – including roads and bridges, rail, transit, ports, airports, the electric grid, water systems and broadband. Senator Shaheen has also long fought to bring federal dollars back to New Hampshire to invest in critical transportation and infrastructure projects to fix Granite State roads, rail, bridges and ports. Last year, Shaheen reintroduced legislation, the Strengthen and Fortify Existing (SAFE) Bridges Act, to begin to address structurally deficient bridges across the country. 

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