Several infrastructure projects are getting a boost thanks to federal funds, with some of the money coming from the recently-passed bipartisan infrastructure bill.
First, the city of Manchester is getting $25 million from the federal Department of Transportation’s RAISE grant program, which predates the infrastructure bill, to make connections in and around the city’s South Millyard and Gaslight District neighborhoods.
The biggest projects funded by the grant will be a peanut-shaped roundabout to replace a dangerous intersection where South Willow Street and Queen City Avenue meet, a pedestrian and bike bridge that will connect Elm Street with Northeast Delta Dental Stadium – currently separated by train tracks – and a pedestrian bridge over Granite Street.
“This funding is … going to make it easier and safer to walk and bike—and reduce traffic and congestion for those who drive,” Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said at a press conference in Machester on Dec. 13. “These are investments that don’t just benefit people in Manchester today; they position the city for a future of continued investment and jobs. Which is why we look forward to seeing how Manchester will continue to grow through a combination of great transportation and great land use policy and planning. “
The area is the likely terminus of a proposed commuter train connection to Boston – a project that itself could get a boost from the $1 trillion infrastructure bill the Biden administration shepherded through Congress late last year. The law will give the state $1.4 billion to improve roads and bridges, $126 million to improve public transportation and $15 million for road safety improvements. More money could come through competitive grant programs like RAISE.
The bill is also sending $9.2 million to New Hampshire’s 14 airports as part of the first of five rounds of funding through the federal infrastructure package.
The money from the Federal Aviation Administration can be invested in runways, taxiways, safety and sustainability projects, as well as terminal, airport-transit connections and roadway projects, according to a news release from the agency.
The airports can submit projects they wish to use the funds on for FAA review.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
