SB 316 – AS AMENDED BY THE SENATE
01/27/2010 0231s
2010 SESSION
06/01
SENATE BILL 316
AN ACT establishing a statewide transportation policy.
SPONSORS: Sen. Kelly, Dist 10; Sen. Janeway, Dist 7; Sen. Fuller Clark, Dist 24; Sen. Gilmour, Dist 12; Sen. Reynolds, Dist 2; Sen. Cilley, Dist 6
COMMITTEE: Transportation and Interstate Cooperation
This bill establishes a statewide transportation policy.
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Explanation: Matter added to current law appears in bold italics.
Matter removed from current law appears [in brackets and struckthrough.]
Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.
01/27/2010 0231s
10-2769
06/01
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Ten
AN ACT establishing a statewide transportation policy.
Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:
1 New Chapter; Statewide Transportation Policy. Amend RSA by inserting after chapter 240 the following new chapter:
CHAPTER 241
STATEWIDE TRANSPORTATION POLICY
241:1 Findings and Public Purpose. The general court finds that:
I. It is essential to the well-being of New Hampshire’s citizens and to the economic health of the state that New Hampshire have and maintain a sustainable and effective transportation system that is capable of efficiently transporting people and goods, and is responsive to changing user needs.
II. The cost of maintaining New Hampshire’s transportation system and infrastructure has increased substantially, greatly outpacing the state’s transportation funding resources. The widening gap between transportation costs and available revenues impedes the ability of the state to maintain and repair existing infrastructure, including bridges and roads, and to develop alternative transportation modes. Efforts are needed to ensure that the New Hampshire transportation system will be sustained for the long-term and that the system as a whole represents a wise investment of public funds.
III. A coordinated transportation policy is essential to ensure that New Hampshire’s transportation system meets changing needs into the 21st century.
IV. The statewide transportation policy in this chapter is intended to inform and direct the department of transportation in its development and implementation of the long-term transportation policy of the state. This policy is not intended to be applied to any individual transportation project, nor does it create a right of private action by any person for the department’s compliance with the policy as applied to the state or to any individual transportation project.
241:2 Statewide Transportation Policy.
I. The statewide transportation policy shall provide direction to the department in the development and advancement of a long-range transportation plan based upon the following principles and criteria:
(a) Enhancement of New Hampshire’s quality of life by strengthening communities and the economy, protecting the natural environment, advancing the state’s comprehensive development plan and growth policy, and reducing the emission of greenhouse gases.
(b) Provision of a safe, efficient, intermodal transportation network through the repair and maintenance of roads, bridges, rail, and other transportation infrastructure.
(c) Realization of an effective regional transportation system that strengthens New Hampshire’s economic position within the New England region.
(d) Achievement of a transportation system which includes multiple transportation options for moving people and goods effectively and efficiently, that serves the diverse needs of rural, urban, low-income, and elderly populations and people with disabilities, and that is adaptable and resilient to meet New Hampshire’s future needs.
(e) Recognition of the land use goals and policies of the state, including the state’s smart growth policy as established in RSA 9-B.
(f) Consideration of the full range of reasonable transportation alternatives for significant highway projects, including but not limited to:
(1) Transportation system management.
(2) Transportation demand management.
(3) Public transit.
(g) Consultation with local and regional land use planning organizations on significant highway projects programs.
(h) Enhancement of the energy efficiency of the transportation system, reduction of the effects of the transportation sector on climate change, and minimization of the impacts of transportation on public health, air and water quality, open spaces, and other natural resources.
(i) Promotion of effective intermodal connections with the state’s major airports to enhance access for the citizens of the state, and to better integrate the state’s major airports within the region’s transportation system to enhance access to and from major population centers in New England.
(j) Promotion of context-sensitive solutions that are consistent with the unique character of urban and rural communities.
(k) Involvement of municipalities, regional planning commissions, metropolitan planning organizations, the public, and other interested parties in major transportation planning, capital investment, and project decisions through timely notice and the opportunity for comment, information sessions, and hearings consistent with applicable state and federal requirements.
(l) Provision of alternatives to minimize the effects of unforeseeable or economic conditions that could adversely affect a predominately single-mode transportation system.
II. Plans and policies developed under this statewide transportation policy shall be submitted to the director of the office of energy and planning.
III. Nothing in this chapter creates a private right of action against the state or the department of transportation and its divisions, or the transportation advisory commission established under RSA 241:3, regarding any transportation plan or transportation project.
2 Effective Date. This act shall take effect 60 days after its passage.