Better communication between DOT, local officials is aim of new committee

"I think it's a great idea myself, having worked with DOT myself on our Kelsea Avenue project. I do think that this is an opportunity to try to address the basic procedures on working with the state on projects like this." Center Harbor Selectman Charley Hanson

By ERIN PLUMMER
eplummer@citizen.com

The Citizen Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Community representatives from around the state will share concerns and open communication with the Department of Transportation as part of a transportation advisory committee.
A committee of 14 representatives from organizations and municipalities around New Hampshire met for the first time with DOT officials last week.
The committee was a result of contact between DOT Commissioner George Campbell and the Local Government Center regarding communication between municipalities and the state on transportation issues. The discussion came amid concerns over budget shortfalls and the need to repair infrastructure.
The committee will provide input to the DOT on transportation needs in each area and resolve communication issues.
"Its really mainly a communication thing and to advise the commission on the upcoming issues that DOT already is (encountering)," said committee member and Center Harbor Selectman Charley Hanson. "I think it's a great idea myself, having worked with DOT myself on our Kelsea Avenue project. I do think that this is an opportunity to try to address the basic procedures on working with the state on projects like this."
Center Harbor has had extensive talks with the DOT regarding severe drainage issues on Kelsea Avenue and Kelly Court, where residents and town officials have previously expressed frustration with communication delays with the state. The town has also worked with the DOT on High Haith Bridge, a small bridge on the state's red list.

Hanson and Franklin City Manager Elizabeth Corrow are the members of the 14-member committee from the Lakes Region. Also on the committee are Mayor Donnalee Lozeau of Nashua; Assistant City Manager William Prokop of Keene; City Councilor Sandra Keans of Rochester; Town Managers Glenn English of Haverhill and Julia Griffin of Hanover; Public Works Directors Chris Temple from Claremont, Carl Quiram from Goffstown, Edward Roberge from Concord, and Jennifer Perry from Exeter; Finance Director Dana Call of Windham; Cliff Sinnott of the Rockingham Planning Commission, and Lewis Feldstein, president of the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation.

"It's really cutting across all swatches of the state," Hanson said. "I think it's a pretty good cross section of people."

The committee's first meeting was last Friday and, according to Hanson, lasted for two-and-a-half hours with committee members talking about issues in their communities.
The advisory group will meet around three times a year and the agenda will be open, allowing committee members to discuss any issues that come up.
"Hopefully it will be an opportunity to provide input so the level of frustration on both sides can be greatly reduced so things work well," Hanson said.