Maine and New Hampshire have contested fishing grounds, boundaries and tax policy, but last week the two states signed a joint agreement pledging to keep the bridges between them in good repair.
It’s a good indication that the planned replacement of Memorial Bridge between Kittery and Portsmouth, N.H., will eventually take place. The price tag is set at $90 million, with each state committed to an equal share of about $35 million.
Unfortunately, the $20 million balance remains in doubt. A vote in the U.S. House eliminated the federal transportation grant program intended to fund it.
The 1920s-era bridge carries local traffic across the Piscataqua River, and the span lifts periodically to provide access to and from Portsmouth Harbor. When the bridge was closed for two weeks last December, local and regional traffic circulation was affected.
The bridge connects the downtown districts of Kittery and Portsmouth. It is an artery in a densely settled area and provides the only pedestrian and bicycle crossing on the Piscataqua River.
The project has the strong support of both Maine and New Hampshire congressional delegations and the administrations of Paul LePage and John Lynch. Reportedly, the word from Washington is that Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood is hopeful the money will come through.
This week, Sen. Olympia Snowe pressed LaHood to review the status of the grant funds for the replacement of “this vital economic link between the states.”
Built in the 1920s, the Memorial Bridge turned out to be an excellent investment. For $90 million, this vital connection can be ensured for many more generations.
Questions? Comments? Contact Managing Editor Nick Cowenhoven at nickc@journaltribune.com.
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