Revision: May 14, 2026, 8:28 p.m.
Sen. McConkey, Dist 3
May 13, 2026
2026-1935s
08/07
Floor Amendment to HB 2026
Amend the title of the bill by replacing it with the following:
AN ACT relative to the state 10-year transportation improvement plan; relative to toll rate adjustments and periodic toll reviews for the New Hampshire turnpike system to support the 2027-2036 ten-year transportation plan; and relative to reconstruction of the Gregg Mill Road Bridge in the town of New Boston.
Amend the bill by replacing all after section 2 with the following:
3 Tolls. Amend RSA 237:9 to read as follows:
I. The commissioner of transportation, with the approval of the governor and council, shall establish toll rates and other charges for use of the New Hampshire turnpike system or any part of the right-of-way and other property acquired in connection therewith. The governor and council shall approve or reject the commissioner's proposed toll rates and other charges within 90 days of receiving them. The tolls collected shall be deposited with the state treasurer who shall keep the same in a separate account to be used exclusively for purposes of the New Hampshire turnpike system including, without limitation, the operating expenses, construction, reconstruction, and maintenance of the New Hampshire turnpike system. All operating expenses and maintenance costs shall be paid from said account. From the balance remaining after the payment of operating expenses and maintenance costs, there shall be paid the interest and principal on the bonds issued to finance the system. No part of such revenues shall, by transfer of funds or otherwise, be diverted to any other purpose whatsoever. Fourteen days previous to the time any interest or principal is payable, on any general obligation bonds issued to finance the system, the state treasurer shall examine the existing balance and, except as otherwise provided in RSA 237:10, if such balance is insufficient to make the payment, then he or she shall notify the governor who shall immediately draw his or her warrant on the highway fund to cover any deficit and if the funds in both of the above accounts are insufficient, the governor shall draw his or her warrant upon the state's general fund to the amount necessary to meet the payments. Any funds paid out from the state's highway fund or general fund for the above purposes shall be reimbursed from the collection of tolls as soon as such funds are available. Any funds that have been or may be expended for any portion of the system by the department of transportation shall be repaid to said department when, in the opinion of the governor and council, sufficient funds are available. Any excess income may be used for further system extensions in accordance with RSA 237:5, II(m). No provision of this chapter shall constitute a covenant with bondholders with respect to the charging, collection or disposition of tolls.
II. Notwithstanding paragraph I, RSA 237:24, and any other provision of law to the contrary, to support the turnpike projects included in the 2027-2036 10-year transportation improvement plan and to cover associated operating expenses and maintenance costs for the central New Hampshire turnpike, the eastern New Hampshire turnpike, and the New Hampshire turnpike system, the toll rates for all cash transactions and for vehicles using the New Hampshire electronic toll system not listed on a funded New Hampshire E-Z Pass account shall be increased based on the toll plaza and vehicle classification. For purposes of this section, "class" shall mean the classification of vehicles by type, height, number of axles, and dual tires established by the commissioner of transportation in rules adopted under RSA 541-A. Beginning January 1, 2027, the toll rates shall be as follows:
(a) Hooksett Main:
(1) Class 1: $2.00
(2) Class 2: $2.25
(3) Class 3: $2.50
(4) Class 4: $2.75
(5) Class 5: $4.00
(6) Class 6: $4.50
(7) Class 7: $5.00
(8) Class 8: $5.50
(9) Class 9: $6.00
(10) Class 10: $6.50
(11) Class 11: $7.00
(12) Class 12: $ 7.50
(b) Hooksett Ramp:
(1) Class 1: $1.00
(2) Class 2: $1.25
(3) Class 3: $1.50
(4) Class 4: $1.75
(5) Class 5: $2.00
(6) Class 6: $2.50
(7) Class 7: $3.00
(8) Class 8: $3.50
(9) Class 9: $4.00
(10) Class 10: $4.50
(11) Class 11: $5.00
(12) Class 12: $5.50
(c) Bedford Main:
(1) Class 1: $2.00
(2) Class 2: $2.25
(3) Class 3: $2.50
(4) Class 4: $2.75
(5) Class 5: $4.00
(6) Class 6: $4.50
(7) Class 7: $5.00
(8) Class 8: $5.50
(9) Class 9: $6.00
(10) Class 10: $6.50
(11) Class 11: $7.00
(12) Class 12: $7.50
(d) Hampton Main:
(1) Class 1: $4.00
(2) Class 2: $4.25
(3) Class 3: $4.50
(4) Class 4: $4.75
(5) Class 5: $8.00
(6) Class 6: $8.50
(7) Class 7: $9.00
(8) Class 8: $9.50
(9) Class 9: $10.00
(10) Class 10: $10.50
(11) Class 11: $11.00
(12) Class 12: $11.50
(e) Hampton Side:
(1) Class 1: $1.50
(2) Class 2: $1.75
(3) Class 3: $2.00
(4) Class 4: $2.25
(5) Class 5: $3.00
(6) Class 6: $3.50
(7) Class 7: $4.00
(8) Class 8: $4.50
(9) Class 9: $5.00
(10) Class 10: $5.50
(11) Class 11: $6.00
(12) Class 12: $6.50
(f) Dover:
(1) Class 1: $1.50
(2) Class 2: $1.75
(3) Class 3: $2.00
(4) Class 4: $2.25
(5) Class 5: $3.00
(6) Class 6: $3.50
(7) Class 7: $4.00
(8) Class 8: $4.50
(9) Class 9: $5.00
(10) Class 10: $5.50
(11) Class 11: $6.00
(12) Class 12: $6.50
(g) Rochester:
(1) Class 1: $1.50
(2) Class 2: $1.75
(3) Class 3: $2.00
(4) Class 4: $2.25
(5) Class 5: $3.00
(6) Class 6: $3.50
(7) Class 7: $4.00
(8) Class 8: $4.50
(9) Class 9: $5.00
(10) Class 10: $5.50
(11) Class 11: $6.00
(12) Class 12: $6.50
III. Notwithstanding paragraph I, RSA 237:24, and any other provision of law to the contrary, the toll rates for vehicles listed on a funded New Hampshire E-Z Pass account using the New Hampshire electronic toll collection shall be based on toll plaza and vehicle classification, where "class" has the same meaning as in paragraph II. Beginning January 1, 2027, the minimum toll rates shall be as follows:
(a) Hooksett Main:
(1) Class 1: $0.70
(2) Class 2: $0.88
(3) Class 3: $1.05
(4) Class 4: $1.23
(5) Class 5: $1.80
(6) Class 6: $2.25
(7) Class 7: $2.70
(8) Class 8: $3.15
(9) Class 9: $3.60
(10) Class 10: $4.05
(11) Class 11: $4.50
(12) Class 12: $4.95
(b) Hooksett Ramp:
(1) Class 1: $0.35
(2) Class 2: $0.53
(3) Class 3: $0.70
(4) Class 4: $0.88
(5) Class 5: $0.90
(6) Class 6: $1.35
(7) Class 7: $1.80
(8) Class 8: $2.25
(9) Class 9: $2.70
(10) Class 10: $3.15
(11) Class 11: $3.60
(12) Class 12: $4.05
(c) Bedford Main:
(1) Class 1: $0.70
(2) Class 2: $0.88
(3) Class 3: $1.05
(4) Class 4: $1.23
(5) Class 5: $1.80
(6) Class 6: $2.25
(7) Class 7: $2.70
(8) Class 8: $3.15
(9) Class 9: $3.60
(10) Class 10: $4.05
(11) Class 11: $4.50
(12) Class 12: $4.95
(d) Hampton Main:
(1) Class 1: $1.40
(2) Class 2: $1.58
(3) Class 3: $1.75
(4) Class 4: $1.93
(5) Class 5: $3.60
(6) Class 6: $4.05
(7) Class 7: $4.50
(8) Class 8: $4.95
(9) Class 9: $5.40
(10) Class 10: $5.85
(11) Class 11: $6.30
(12) Class 12: $6.75
(e) Hampton Side:
(1) Class 1: $0.53
(2) Class 2: $0.70
(3) Class 3: $0.88
(4) Class 4: $1.05
(5) Class 5: $1.35
(6) Class 6: $1.80
(7) Class 7: $2.25
(8) Class 8: $2.70
(9) Class 9: $3.15
(10) Class 10: $3.60
(11) Class 11: $4.05
(12) Class 12: $4.50
(f) Dover:
(1) Class 1: $0.53
(2) Class 2: $0.70
(3) Class 3: $0.88
(4) Class 4: $1.05
(5) Class 5: $1.35
(6) Class 6: $1.80
(7) Class 7: $2.25
(8) Class 8: $2.70
(9) Class 9: $3.15
(10) Class 10: $3.60
(11) Class 11: $4.05
(12) Class 12: $4.50
(g) Rochester:
(1) Class 1: $0.53
(2) Class 2: $0.70
(3) Class 3: $0.88
(4) Class 4: $1.05
(5) Class 5: $1.35
(6) Class 6: $1.80
(7) Class 7: $2.25
(8) Class 8: $2.70
(9) Class 9: $3.15
(10) Class 10: $3.60
(11) Class 11: $4.05
(12) Class 12: $4.50
4 Agency Directive; Department of Transportation; New Hampshire E-Z Pass Transponder. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, for a period of 210 days, beginning December 1, 2026, the department of transportation shall issue, at no cost, a New Hampshire E-Z Pass transponder to anyone who opens or currently maintains a funded New Hampshire E-Z Pass account, if so requested by the new or current New Hampshire E-Z Pass holder.
5 Repeal. RSA 237:11, V, relative to the E-Z Pass discount on established tolls on any of the New Hampshire turnpike system, is repealed.
6 Manchester I-293 Projects Added.
I. The project named Manchester Project #16099A, to reconstruct and widen Exit 6 on I-293 in Manchester, shall be added to the 2027-2036 10-year transportation improvement plan with $146,888,734.
II. The project named Manchester Project #16099B, to reconstruct and widen Exit 7 on I-293 in Manchester, shall be added to the 2027-2036 10-year transportation improvement plan with $74,902,494.
7 Bow-Concord Project Added. The project named Bow-Concord Project # 13742: Interstate 93 widening from south of Interstate 89 to Merrimack River Bridge shall be added to the 2027-2036 10-year transportation improvement plan with $285,849,979.
8 Projects Added. The following projects shall be added to the 2027 - 2036 10-year transportation improvement plan with $68,547,475:
I. Randolph Project: Installation of left-turn lane for US 2 eastbound traffic at Randolph Hill Road and left-turn lane for US 2 westbound traffic at Raycrest Drive.
II. Enfield Project: Construct a roundabout to address road skew/offset, reduce conflict points, reduce pedestrian crossing length and number, promote lower speeds and traffic calming, support operational efficiency, and improve multi-modal safety.
III. Plymouth Project: Improve sight distance and provide bicycle and pedestrian access on US 3.
IV. Marlborough Project: Stormwater and Pedestrian Infrastructure Improvements.
V. Hillsborough Project: Henniker Street Improvements.
VI. Madbury Project: Intersection safety improvements to NH 9 and French Cross Road intersection.
VII. Hooksett Project: Intersection Improvements at I-93 Exit 11 and Hackett Hill Road.
VIII. Plaistow Project: NH 121 A (Main Street) and North Avenue intersection improvements.
IX. Nashua Project: Ledge Street improvements, reconstructing approximately 200 feet of Canal retaining wall, approximately 475 feet of guardrail, and approximately 1,000' of sidewalk.
X. Dover-Somersworth-Rochester Project # 29604: Complete streets improvements on NH 108 from Indian Brook Road to Innovation Drive.
XI. Dunbarton Project # 43535: Improvements to the intersection of NH 113. NH 77 and Jewett Road.
9 New Boston; Gregg Mill Road Bridge; Land Transfer.
I. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, and in the interest of public safety and welfare, the following interests in land acquired by the state under the land conservation investment program, recorded at Hillsborough County Registry of Deeds Book 5446, Page 855, shall be transferred to the town of New Boston for the purpose of reconstructing the Gregg Mill Road Bridge:
(a) A permanent slope and structure easement of approximately 1,550 square feet on the parcel identified on the Town of New Boston Tax Map as Map 6, Lot 12-1.
(b) A permanent slope and structure easement of approximately 750 square feet and a temporary construction easement of approximately 1,290 square feet expiring one year from project completion on the parcel identified on the Town of New Boston Tax Map as Map 6, Lot 13.
II. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the department of natural and cultural resources and the town of New Boston may agree to additional transfers under a signed memorandum of agreement that are necessary to ensure the Gregg Mill Road Bridge is reconstructed. The council on resources and development, established under RSA 162-C, shall be notified of any additional transfers within 60 days of execution.
III. Compensation due to the state shall be the full fair market value of the interests transferred under paragraphs I and II, as determined by an appraisal completed by an appraiser licensed in the state of New Hampshire and approved by the department of natural and cultural resources. The appraisal shall also be reviewed by the department in determining just compensation for such acquisitions. Alternative compensation in the form of replacement land may be accepted provided all parties owning an interest in the property agree to such terms. Any monetary compensation shall be deposited in the land conservation endowment fund administered by the council on resources and development pursuant to RSA 162-C:7 and used for the purposes of the land conservation investment program.
I. Section 4 of this act shall take effect December 1, 2026.
II. Sections 3 and 5 of this act shall take effect January 1, 2027.
III. The remainder of this act shall take effect upon its passage.
2026-1935s
AMENDED ANALYSIS
This bill:
I. Adopts the state 10-year transportation plan for 2027-2036.
II. Provides for toll rate adjustments at specified turnpike plazas to support projects in the 2027–2036 10-year transportation plan.
III. Provides for periodic toll adjustments tied to the New Hampshire department of transportation's projected inflation index as part of the statewide transportation improvement program.
IV. Authorizes the transfer of certain land acquired by the state under the land conservation investment program to the town of New Boston for the purpose of reconstructing the Gregg Mill Road Bridge.