Task Force Delivers Recommendations for Funding Portsmouth-Kittery Bridge Replacement and Repairs

Press Release

The Bi-State Bridge Funding Task Force, created by Maine Governor John Baldacci and New Hampshire Governor John Lynch to help indentify funding needs and solutions for the three Portsmouth-Kittery bridges, has delivered its recommendations to the two governors.

"The Task Force has developed a comprehensive, 30-year approach to replacing and maintaining these critical bridges," Governor Baldacci said. "The plan gives the next Administration and new Legislature an innovative path forward and makes significant progress on a realistic funding mechanism. We know we must maintain these bridges for Maine's economic health. These recommendations will help make that possible."

Among the recommendations are a plan for funding the replacement of the Memorial Bridge, funded through a combination of State and federal monies and federal TIGER II grants; funding the rehabilitation of the Sarah Mildred Long Bridge using federal funds, state turnpike funds, state bridge funds and department of defense funds; and a creation of a bi-state bridge fund, equally funded by the two states to be used for repairs and rehabilitation of the bridges.

The Task Force also recommended revitalizing the Interstate Bridge Authority (IBA) to oversee repairs on the bridges and to serve as the administrator of the bridge fund. The IBA has been dormant for several years, and was originally created to oversee the Sarah Mildred Long Bridge.

"The Task Force has demonstrated the strong working relationship between Maine and New Hampshire, and shows that we can find solutions to complicated problems when we work together," Governor Baldacci said. "I want to commend all the participants for their hard work and commitment to moving our two states forward."

These recommendations will be presented to the incoming Governor and Legislature.

The Bi-State Bridge Funding Task Force was created by executive order by Governor's Baldacci and Lynch in order to address the extraordinary funding needs of the three Portsmouth-Kittery Bridges.

The task force met five times over an eight week period to review, discuss and agree upon the estimated funding levels required for the Memorial, Sarah Mildred Long and the I-95 bridges for the next 30 years. This included the discussion and identification of funding mechanisms, partners, joint structure, legislation and other actions necessary to meet the funding needs of these three bridges.

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