Background: In 1974, the New Hampshire General Court passed RSA 372-A, which enabled the Public Utilities Commission to respond to the Federal Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973, through which States received assistance for the acquisition and management of endangered rail lines. The following is an overview of New Hampshire's activities and efforts to preserve its railroad system.
THE NEW HAMPSHIRE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION produced the basic STATE RAIL PLAN, Phase I and Phase II, submitted to the Federal Railroad Administration in 1975. Updates have been filed periodically with the Federal Railroad Administration.
THE NEW HAMPSHIRE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION acquired the 72 mile CONCORD TO LINCOLN LINE by eminent domain taking from the Boston and Maine Railroad for the purpose of preserving rail service to a struggling paper mill in Lincoln.
CONCORD TO LINCOLN LINE: The WOLFEBORO RAILROAD entered into a one year unsubsidized Operating Agreement with the New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission to provide rail freight service to the paper mill in Lincoln.
Congress enacted the RAILROAD REVITALIZATION AND REGULATORY REFORM ACT of 1976, which significantly revised and expanded the Federal Rail Assistance Program. Federal funding for rail service continuation subsidies and rehabilitation projects was raised to a maximum of 100% for the first twelve months and 90% for the next twelve months.
CONCORD TO LINCOLN LINE: The GOODWIN RAILROAD entered into a five year Operating Agreement with the New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission to provide subsidized rail freight service on the line.
The NEW HAMPSHIRE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION acquired from the Maine Central Railroad the 23 mile segment of the NORTH STRATFORD TO BEECHER FALLS LINE from North Stratford, NH to Canaan, VT. This line served the Ethan Alien Furniture factory at Beecher Falls in Canaan, VT.
The upper portion of the CONCORD TO LINCOLN LINE, from Meredith north, was reestablished and restored to service following a series of washouts that occurred during the flood of July 3, 1973.
The NORTH STRATFORD TO BEECHER FALLS LINE, washed out by the same 1973 flood, had been repaired and put back in service by Maine Central in 1976 as a result of an Interstate Commerce Commission order.
NORTH STRATFORD TO BEECHER FALLS LINE: The NEW HAMPSHIRE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION negotiated with and selected the NORTH STRATFORD RAILROAD for a five year Operating Agreement to provide freight service with an operating subsidy.
The NEW HAMPSHIRE GENERAL COURT transferred the State's railroad administration responsibilities to the newly-created N.H. TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY. The Authority used Federal and State funds to subsidize operation of the State-owned lines, as well as rehabilitation projects for Boston and Maine and Maine Central Railroad lines.
Congress enacted the LOCAL RAIL SERVICE ASSISTANCE ACT of 1978, which included assistance for continuation of service, acquisition and rehabilitation, substitute service, facility construction and planning and program operations. The significance of this Act was reorientation away from already abandoned lines towards those which were still owned and operated by private carriers. This allowed for the revitalization of a problem branch line before it reached the point of abandonment or service discontinuance.
The N.H. RAIL PASSENGER DEMONSTRATION PROJECT was established by the N.H. Transportation Authority to run passenger trains between Concord, NH and Lowell, MA, where it connected with the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority and continued to Boston, MA. This project lasted about one year. It was terminated due to scheduling and revenue problems.
The NEW HAMPSHIRE GENERAL COURT abolished the N.H. Transportation Authority and transferred its responsibilities to the newly created Railroad Division of the New Hampshire Department of Public Works and Highways. The Division contracted with Andrews and Clark, a consultant firm, to conduct a CHESHIRE-ASHUELOT BRANCH LINE STUDY. The consultant studied the branch lines and ways to provide continued rail service to the southwestern area of the State.
The NEW HAMPSHIRE GENERAL COURT authorized $1,000,000 for rehabilitation of the CHESHIRE and ASHUELOT BRANCH LINES, and $1,000,000 for rehabilitation of Boston and Maine Railroad's CONWAY BRANCH LINE. The Boston and Maine Railroad abandoned the CHESHIRE and ASHUELOT BRANCH LINES before the rehabilitation took place.
CONWAY BRANCH LINE: Phase I, Sanbornville to Ossipee; rehabilitation coordinated with Boston and Maine, including ditching, installing ties, rail, surfacing, crossings, vegetation control and culvert cleaning. Financed with $427,000 in State funds, $3,000 Boston and Maine Railroad and $103,000 from Ossipee Aggregates, the principal shipper.
NORTH STRATFORD TO BEECHER FALLS LINE: Contrak, Inc., contracted for rehabilitation work which included ditching, installing ties, surfacing and ballast, crossing and drainage installations. Financed with State and Federal Railroad Administration funds totaling $295,360.
CONWAY BRANCH LINE: A benefit/cost analysis was conducted and submitted to the Federal Railroad Administration to be eligible for Federal funds for the proposed Phases II and III rehabilitation projects. These were approved and the Federal funding was available for remaining work.
CONCORD TO LINCOLN LINE: The NORTH COUNTRY COUNCIL and the LAKES REGION PLANNING COMMISSION, in a joint venture, performed a marketing study on the railroad line.
Congress enacted the NORTHEAST SERVICE ACT of 1981 and made several modifications to the Local Rail Service Assistance Act. The more significant changes were the revision of the entitlement formula, the limitation of planning support funds, the elimination of operating subsidies and the reduction of the Federal Rail Assistance Program share from 80% to 70%.
The NEW HAMPSHIRE GENERAL COURT passed legislation prohibiting uses of railroad rights-of-way that would unreasonably limit the ability to restore rail service in the future.
CONCORD TO LINCOLN LINE: The NORTH STRATFORD RAILROAD agreed to provide subsidized emergency rail freight service on the line. The Operating Agreement was extended to December 31, 1981.
HILLSBORO BRANCH: The Railroad Division coordinated design and construction of the LYNDEBOROUGH TRESTLE on the Boston and Maine Corporation's HILLSBORO BRANCH, with funding through the Economic Development Administration. Cianbro Corporation submitted the lowest of seven bids at $638,221 for the construction of the three span welded girder bridge designed for modem loads. The new bridge replaced a sub-standard structure built in 1881. This project was funded with 50% Economic Development Administration funds and 50% State funds. The State share included a 20% private sector contribution.
CONWAY BRANCH: Phase II, Milton to Sanbornville; rehabilitation coordinated with Boston and Maine, including ditching, installing ties and rail, surfacing, crossing, vegetation control and culvert cleaning. Funding for this project was from the Federal Railroad Administration for $250,000, $243,603 of State funds and $70,000 from Boston & Maine Corporation and Ossipee Aggregates (total $563,603).
CONCORD TO LINCOLN LINE: The NORTH STRATFORD RAILROAD's Operating Agreement was extended to September 1, 1982.
CONCORD TO LINCOLN LINE: The RAILROAD DIVISION selected NEW ENGLAND SOUTHERN RAILROAD for a five year Operating Agreement to provide service on the line, with subsidy contributions made by the State to cover deficits of the operation over a five year period. Financing will be from State funds with a projected first year cost of $96,000.
HILLSBORO BRANCH: Coordinated force account work done by the Boston and Maine Corporation for the rehabilitation of five bridges to increase the capacities to 263,000 Ibs. in the towns of Wilton, Lyndeborough and Bennington, thus improving weight carrying capacity of the entire Hillsboro Branch between Wilton and Bennington. Financed 80% from State funds and 20% from private funds for a total of $35,000.
NORTH STRATFORD TO BEECHER FALLS LINE: The NORTH STRATFORD RAILROAD's operating agreement was amended to extend the term of agreement for an additional year.
CONCORD TO LINCOLN LINE: New England Railroad Construction Co. contracted for rehabilitation work, including ditching, installing ties, surfacing and ballast, crossings and drainage installations. Financed with State and Federal Railroad Administration funds totaling $281,000.
The NEW HAMPSHIRE GENERAL COURT passed legislation authorizing the Commissioner of the Department of Public Works and Highways to enter into agreements with owners of railroad rights-of-way on which railroad service has been abandoned. Such agreements contain the following basic conditions:
NORTH STRATFORD TO BEECHER FALLS LINE: The Railroad Division negotiated with and selected the NORTH STRATFORD RAILROAD for a new five year Operating Agreement to provide subsided freight service on the line.
CONWAY BRANCH: Phase III, Rochester to Milton, with the Boston and Maine Corporation; rehabilitation work including ditching, installing ties and rail, surfacing, crossings, vegetation control and culvert cleaning. Funding fiom the Federal Railroad Administration, State, Boston and Maine Corporation and Ossipee Aggregates. Total cost $514,000.
CONCORD TO LINCOLN LINE: The WINNIPESAUKEE RAILROAD entered into a five y~ar Passenger Excursion Agreement with the Railroad Division to operate a 16 mile round trip tourist excursion service along the Lake Winnipesaukee shoreline.
The Railroad Division completed and published the "NEW HAMPSHIRE STATE RAIL PLAN" 1984 update.
CLAREMONT AND CONCORD LINE: A $220,000 rehabilitation project on the CLAREMONT AND CONCORD LINE in Claremont was completed and dedicated October 3, 1985.
CONCORD TO LINCOLN LINE: During the fall and winter of 1984-85, a $217,000 repair project at MP 8.20 in Canterbury relocated 1200 feet of track and stabilized the outlet end of a washed out stone box culvert under the railroad, which was directly connected to a concrete structure under I-93.
The NEW HAMPSHIRE GENERAL COURT passed legislation allowing the State to acquire railroad rights-of-way in three ways:
The NEW HAMPSHIRE GENERAL COURT appropriated $1.5 million to purchase and preserve abandoned railroad rights-of-way that have strong potential for future transportation needs or other public uses. This fund initiated the New Hampshire Department of Public Works and Highways' "Abandoned Railroad Corridor Preservation Program."
The ABANDONED RAILROAD CORRIDOR PRESERVATION PROGRAM purchased the 12 mile WOLFEBORO LINE in its first attempt to preserve abandoned railroad rights-of-way.
The NEW HAMPSHIRE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS was reorganized into the New Hampshire Department of Transportation with all railroad administrative duties assigned to the Bureau of Railroads.
The NEW HAMPSHIRE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, BUREAU OF RAILROADS, published the "NEW HAMPSHIRE STATE RAIL PLAN" 1986 update.
CONWAY BRANCH: With the purchase of a portion of the Conway Branch from Rochester to Ossipee by New Hampshire Northcoast Corporation, an 18 mile rehabilitation project began, that consisted of replacing the existing rail with 112 # RE relay rail, new tie plates, joint bars, bolts, lock washers, spikes and anchors. Funding for the project consisted of $1,023,054 in State funds and $177,922 in New Hampshire Northcoast funds. New Hampshire Northcoast was responsible for the installation of the materials. Phase I was completed in December 1987.
CONCORD TO LINCOLN LINE: The PLYMOUTH AND LINCOLN RAILROAD (d/b/a HOBO RAILROAD) entered into a five year Passenger Excursion Agreement with the Bureau of Railroads to operate a 14 mile round trip tourist excursion service along the Pemigewasset River in the Lincoln-Woodstock area.
CONCORD TO LINCOLN LINE: The NEW ENGLAND SOUTHERN RAILROAD entered into a new Operating Agreement to continue to provide state subsidized rail freight service primarily between Concord and Bridgewater.
CONCORD TO LINCOLN LINE: The WINNIPESAUKEE RAILROAD's Passenger Excursion Agreement was amended to change some of the rights and obligations as described under the original Agreement.
CONCORD TO LINCOLN LINE: The NEW ENGLAND SOUTHERN RAILROAD entered into a new Operating Agreement with the Bureau of Railroads that provided for unsubsidized rail freight service primarily between Concord and Meredith.
CONCORD TO LINCOLN LINE: With the new Operating Agreement entered into by the NEW ENGLAND SOUTHERN RAILROAD, the 100 ton ALCO diesel-electric locomotive, originally purchased for use on this line, was no longer needed. LINCOLN RAILROAD ENTERPRISES presented a proposal to the Bureau of Railroads to refurbish the locomotive for use on the line, and a five year Lease was approved.
The NEW HAMPSHIRE GENERAL COURT appropriated an additional $3 million to continue to fund the Department of Transportation's Abandoned Railroad Corridor Preservation Program.
CONWAY BRANCH: This 11.75 mile rehabilitation project consisted of replacing the existing rail with 112 # RE relay rail, new joint bars, tie plates, anchors, bolts, lock washers and spikes. Funding for the project consisted of $777,202 in State funds and $143,816 in New Hampshire Northcoast funds. New Hampshire Northcoast was responsible for the installation of the materials. Phase II rehabilitation project was to be completed in 1990.
The NEW HAMPSHIRE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION purchased from the Boston and Maine Corporation approximately 65 miles of abandoned railroad rights-of-way: the Hillsboro Branch from Wilton to Hillsborough, the Portsmouth Branch from East Manchester to Newfields, the Fremont Branch in Epping and Fremont and the Manchester & Lawrence Branch in Londonderry, Windham and Salem.
NORTH STRATFORD TO BEECHER FALLS LINE: The NORTH STRATFORD RAILROAD entered into a 16 month extension of its Operating Agreement to continue subsidized rail freight service on the line.
THE NEW HAMPSHIRE GENERAL COURT passed legislation that prohibits the State from disposing of any of its railroad beds and rights-of-way lying within a State-owned railroad corridor.
CONCORD TO LINCOLN LINE: The NEW ENGLAND SOUTHERN RAILROAD entered into a one year extension of its Operating Agreement to provide unsubsidized rail freight service primarily between Concord and Meredith.
The State-owned portion of the HILLSBORO BRANCH LINE: The MILFORD-BENNINGTON RAILROAD entered into a five year Operating Agreement that will reestablish rail freight service on the State-owned portion from Wilton to Bennington. This portion of the line was abandoned in 1986 by the Boston and Maine Corporation and acquired by the State of New Hampshire in 1988 as part of the Department of Transportation's Abandoned Railroad Corridor Preservation Program.
NORTH STRATFORD TO BEECHER FALLS LINE: The NORTH STRATFORD RAILROAD, which had operated the line under a subsidized Operating Agreement, embargoed the line on March 9, 1989 due to severe winter conditions and suspended rail freight service at the request of the line's only user. The Operating Agreement with the State was terminated on May 31, 1989.
CONCORD TO LINCOLN LINE: Andrews and Clark, a consultant engineering firm, was selected for the Railroad Bridge Inspection Program for 45 railroad bridges. The consultant compiled bridge inspection and sufficiency reports for each structure, completing the project in September 1990.
NORTH STRATFORD TO BEECHER FALLS LINE: After this line was taken out of service and was no longer being operated, the Bureau of Railroads solicited proposals to lease the following North Stratford to Beecher Falls equipment, originally purchased for use on this line:
The PLYMOUTH AND LINCOLN RAILROAD submitted the only proposal and executed a five year Lease Agreement The equipment will be used to complement the railroad's current operation located in Lincoln.
The NEW HAMPSHIRE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, BUREAU OF RAILROADS published the "NEW HAMPSHIRE STATE RAIL PLAN" 1989 update.
CONCORD TO LINCOLN LINE: The WINNIPESAUKEE RAILROAD's original Passenger Excursion Agreement and its amendment were extended for an additional five year period.
The NEW HAMPSHIRE GENERAL COURT appropriated an additional $3 million for continued funding of the Department of Transportation's Abandoned Railroad Corridor Preservation Program.
CONCORD TO LINCOLN LINE: The NEW ENGLAND SOUTHERN RAILROAD entered into a new one year extension of its Operating Agreement to provide unsubsidized rail freight service primarily between Concord and Meredith.
CONWAY BRANCH: The rehabilitation project agreement with New Hampshire Northcoast was extended until August 1992 to complete the project.
The NEW HAMPSHIRE GENERAL COURT passed legislation that established:
The State-owned portion of the HILLSBORO BRANCH: The MILFORD-BENNINGTON RAILROAD'S Operating Agreement was amended to change some of the rights and obligations as described under the original Agreement.
CONCORD TO LINCOLN LINE: The WINNIPESAUKEE RAILROAD had its Passenger Excursion Agreement terminated as a result of non-compliance. The NEW HAMPSHIRE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION solicited proposals to provide passenger excursion service on the Lakeport-Meredith portion of the line. Three proposals were submitted and the PLYMOUTH AND LINCOLN RAILROAD (d/b/a WINNIPESAUKEE AND PEMIGEWASSET VALLEY RAILROAD) was selected and entered into a five year Passenger Excursion Agreement with the Bureau of Railroads to operated an 18 mile round trip along the shore of Lake Winnipesaukee in the Meredith-Laconia area.
CONCORD TO LINCOLN LINE: The NEW ENGLAND SOUTHERN RAILROAD entered into a new one year extension of its Operating Agreement to provide unsubsidized rail freight service primarily between Concord and Lochmere.
The NEW HAMPSHIRE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION reorganized the BUREAUS OF RAILROADS, RAIL SAFETY AND PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION into the BUREAU OF RAILROADS AND PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION to better coordinate the duties of these Bureaus.
CONCORD TO LINCOLN LINE: As a result of the Bridge Inspection Program, Bridge No. 18.30 at the Northfield/Tilton town line and Bridge Nos. 18.61 and 18.67, both in Tilton, have been reconstructed or repaired to correct major structural problems.
The NEW HAMPSHIRE GENERAL COURT passed legislation to:
The State-owned portion of HILLSBORO BRANCH LINE: The MILFORD-BENNINGTON RAILROAD'S Operating Agreement was amended to allow for a limited passenger excursion service.
The NEW HAMPSHIRE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, BUREAU OF RAILROADS published the "NEW HAMPSHIRE STATE RAIL PLAN" 1991 update.
CONCORD TO LINCOLN LINE: The NEW HAMPSHIRE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION solicited proposals to prospective railroad operators to provide rail freight service on the line beginning July 1, 1992. Three proposals were submitted and the NEW ENGLAND SOUTHERN RAILROAD was selected and entered into a five year Operating Agreement with the Bureau of Railroads and Public Transportation to provide rail height service from Concord to Lochmere on the line.
The DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION published legal notices relative to the State's ownership of the Northern Railroad Line, Hillsboro Branch Line, Manchester to Lawrence Branch Line and St. Lawrence and Atlantic Railroad Line. The ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE is preparing to defend the State's claim to fee simple ownership of the Northern Railroad, Hillsboro Branch Line and Manchester to Lawrence Branch Line against the Boston and Maine Corporation.
CONCORD TO LINCOLN LINE: As a result of the Bridge Inspection Program, Bridge No. P 17.52 in Woodstock has been repaired to correct major structural problems.
The State-owned portion of the HILLSBORO BRANCH LINE: As a result of damages sustained by Hurricane Bob, Bridge No. 18.30 in Wilton was repaired using Federal Emergency Management Agency funds. The Milford-Bennington Railroad began providing rail freight service on the line in July, moving 20 to 30 carloads per day from Granite State Concrete's quarry in Wilton to its processing plant in Milford. Marketing efforts are continuing with the hopes of increasing daily carload counts.
HILLSBORO BRANCH LINE: The DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION received $63,378 from the Federal Railroad Administration to reimburse the Milford-Bennington Railroad and Granite State Concrete for the Federal share for the construction of two industrial rail spurs in Milford and Wilton.
ST. LAWRENCE AND ATLANTIC RAILROAD: The DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION received $963,477 from the Federal Railroad Administration to reimburse the St. Lawrence and Atlantic Railroad for the Federal share for the rehabilitation of portions of the railroad line that crosses northern New Hampshire.
BERLIN AND GROVETON BRANCH LINES: The DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION received $733,388 from the Federal Railroad Administration to can reimburse the New Hampshire and Vermont Railroad for the Federal share for the rehabilitation of portions of these branch lines in northern New Hampshire.
The NEW HAMPSHIRE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, BUREAU OF RAILROADS published the "AMENDMENT TO THE NEW HAMPSHIRE STATE RAIL PLAN, 1991."
BERLIN AND GROVETON BRANCH LINES: ·rde DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION received $164,500 from the Federal Railroad Administration to reimburse the New Hampshire and Vermont Railroad for the Federal share for the continued rehabilitation of portions of the branch lines in northern New Hampshire.
GREEN MOUNTAIN RAILROAD: The DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION received $182,791 from the Federal Railroad Administration to reimburse the Green Mountain Railroad for the Federal share for the rehabilitation of their railroad line in North Walpole.
CONCORD TO LINCOLN LINE: The NEW ENGLAND SOUTHERN RAILROAD d/b/a GRANITE STATE RAILROAD entered into a four year Passenger Excursion Agreement with the Bureau of Railroads and Public Transportation to operate between Concord and Northfield.
NORTH STRATFORD TO BEECHER FALLS LINE: The NEW HAMPSHIRE CENTRAL RAILROAD entered into a five year Operating Agreement with the Bureau of Railroads and Public Transportation to reestablish rail freight service from North Stratford to Columbia.
NORTH STRATFORD TO BEECHER FALLS LINE: As a result of bank erosion along the Connecticut River, approximately 850 feet of trackage in North Stratford had to be relocated, funded by Special Railroad Funds.
CONCORD TO LINCOLN LINE: As a result of the Bridge Inspection Program, six bridges located in Concord, Tilton, Thomton and Woodstock have been repaired to correct major structural problems.
CONCORD TO LINCOLN LINE: The current lease with LINCOLN RAILROAD ENTERPRISES for the 100 ton ALCO diesel-electric locomotive was extended for an additional five year period.
ST. LAWRENCE AND ATLANTIC RAILROAD: The DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION received $375,250 from the Federal Railroad Administration to reimburse the St. Lawrence and Atlantic Railroad for the Federal share for the continued rehabilitation of portions of the railroad line that crosses Northern New Hampshire.
NEW HAMPSHIRE NORTHCOAST RAILROAD: The DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION received $264,250 from the Federal Railroad Administration to reimburse the New Hampshire Northcoast Corporation for the Federal share for the rehabilitation of a portion of the railroad line in Rochester.
MOUNTAIN DIVISION LINE: The CONWAY SCENIC RAILROAD entered into a five year Passenger Excursion Agreement with the Bureau of Railroads and Public Transportation to operate tourist service between Conway and Whitefield.
The ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE, BOSTON AND MAINE CORPORATION and MAINE CENTRAL RAILROAD settled their claims regarding various railroads within the State. The DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION acquired the following railroad lines:
NORTH STRATFORD TO BEECHER FALLS LINE: As a result of bank erosion along the Connecticut River, approximately 1,250 feet of trackage at Columbia Bridge had to be relocated, funded by Special Railroad Funds.
ST. LAWRENCE AND ATLANTIC RAILROAD: The DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION received $236,000 from the Federal Railroad Administration to reimburse the St. Lawrence and Atlantic Railroad for the Federal share for the continued rehabilitation of portions of the railroad line that crosses Northern New Hampshire.
NEW HAMPSHIRE NORTHCOAST RAILROAD: The DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION received $351,540 from the Federal Railroad Administration to reimburse the New Hampshire Northcoast Corporation for the Federal share for the continued rehabilitation of a portion of the railroad line in Somersworth.
As a result of the settlement between the STATE and GUILFORD TRANSPORTATION INDUSTRIES, the DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION acquired the following railroad lines:
The State-owned portion of the HILLSBORO BRANCH LINE: The Governor and Council approved the rehabilitation of 18.61 miles of the branch line from Wilton to Bennington using $500,000 in State funds and $125,000 in private funds.
NORTH STRATFORD TO BEECHER FALLS LINE: The Governor and Council approved the rehabilitation of 7.00 miles of the railroad line from North Stratford to Columbia using $355,849 in State funds and $88,963 in private funds.
The DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION published legal notices relative to the State's ownership of the Ashuelot Branch Line, Cheshire Branch Line, Conway Branch Line, Fort Hill Branch Line, Conic Branch Line, Lakeport Branch Line, Mountain Division Railroad Line, Northern Railroad Line and the St. Lawrence and Atlantic Railroad Line.
CONCORD TO LINCOLN LINE: As a result of the Bridge Inspection Program, Bridge No. 1.66 in Concord was removed and filled to correct major structural problems.
GREEN MOUNTAIN RAILROAD: The Governor and Council approved the construction of a rail to highway petroleum transfer station at the N. Walpole railroad yard using $743,580 from New Hampshire's Class III Railroad Capital Rail Line Rehabilitation Revolving Loan Fund.
NEW HAMPSHIRE NORTHCOAST RAILROAD: The Governor and Council approved the rehabilitation of the railroad line between Rochester and Rollinsford using $606,420 from New Hampshire's Class III Railroad Capital Rail Line Rehabilitation Revolving Loan Fund.
ST. LAWRENCE AND ATLANTIC RAILROAD: The Governor and Council approved the rehabilitation of the railroad line between Shelburne and North Stratford using $1,150,000 from New Hampshire's Class III Railroad Capital Rail Line Rehabilitation Revolving Loan Fund.
The DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION published legal notices relative to the State's ownership of the Ashuelot, Cheshire, Conway, Fort Hill, Gonic, and Lakeport Branch Lines, Mountain Division, Northern and St. Lawrence and Atlantic Railroad Lines.
NORTH STRATFORD TO BEECHER FALLS LINE: The NEW HAMPSHIRE CENTRAL RAILROAD'S original Operating Agreement was amended to allow rail freight service now from North Stratford to Colebrook, to allow selected passenger excursion service and to allow rail access to their railcar repair facility in North Stratford.
CONCORD TO LINCOLN LINE: The current lease with LINCOLN RAILROAD ENTERPRISES for the 100 ton ALCO diesel-electric locomotive was extended through December 31, 2001. The locomotive was extensively repaired.
The DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION acquired from the BOSTON AND MAINE CORPORATION a portion of the HAMPTON BRANCH in Seabrook.
The DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION acquired from the NEW HAMPSHIRE AND VERMONT RAILROAD portions of the BERLIN BRANCH from Woodsville to Littleton and in Gorham.
CONCORD TO LINCOLN LINE: The Governor and Council approved the rehabilitation of the railroad line using $390,000 in State funds and $97,500 in private funds.
CONCORD TO LINCOLN LINE: The PLYMOUTH AND LINCOLN RAILROAD'S original passenger excursion agreement (HOBO) was extended through December 31, 2001, and amended to change some of its obligations. The railroad's Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad passenger excursion agreement was amended to change some of its obligations.
NEW HAMPSHIRE NORTHCOAST RAILROAD: The Governor and Council approved the rehabilitation of the railroad between Rollinsford and Ossipee and the construction of a car shop in Ossipee using $469,434 from New Hampshire's Class III Railroad and Cog Railroad Capital Rail Line and Equipment Revolving Loan Fund.
The DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION published legal notices relative to the State's ownership of the Ashuelot, Cheshire, Conway, Fort Hill, Conic and Lakeport Branch Lines and Mountain Division, Northern and St. Lawrence and Atlantic Railroad Lines.
CONCORD TO LINCOLN LINE: The NEW ENGLAND SOUTHERN RAILROAD'S original rail freight operating agreement was extended through June 30, 2002, and amended to change some of its obligations.
The DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION acquired from the NEW HAMPSHIRE NORTHCOAST the FARMINGTON BRANCH, from Rochester to Farmington.
The DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION acquired from the CLAREMONT RAILWAY a portion of the CLAREMONT CONCORD BRANCH in Claremont.
The DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION acquired from the BOSTON AND MAINE CORPORATION a portion of the BLACKMOUNT BRANCH in Haverhill.
NORTH STRATFORD TO BEECHER FALLS LINE: Two railroad bridges were repaired in Columbia using Special Railroad Funds and NEW HAMPSHIRE CENTRAL RAILROAD funds.
MOUNTAIN DIVISION LINE: Approximately 4,200 new railroad crossties were installed from Conway to Bartlett using Special Railroad Funds and CONWAY SCENIC RAILROAD funds.
CONCORD TO LINCOLN LINE: The PLYMOUTH AND LINCOLN RAILROAD'S original passenger excursion agreement and amendment OYSR) were extended through December 31, 2001.
The DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION entered into an agreement with a consultant to inspect the railroad bridges on the State-owned Concord to Lincoln, North Stratford to Beecher Falls, Hillsboro Branch and Mountain Division Railroad Lines. The North Stratford to Beecher Falls and the Hillsboro Branch Lines have been completed.
NEW HAMPSHIRE NORTHCOAST RAILROAD: The Governor and Council approved the rebuilding of the prime movers in three locomotives, the purchase of a used caboose and the completion of a car shop in Ossipee using $401,931 from New Hampshire's Class III Railroad and Clog Railroad Capital Rail Line and Equipment Revolving Loan Fund.
MOUNT WASHINGTON RAILWAY (COG RAILROAD): The Governor and Council approved the construction of a new coal storage and delivery system, a new boarding platform, new water tower and the expansion of five passenger coaches using $505,000 from New Hampshire's Class III Railroad and Cog Railroad Capital Rail Line and Equipment Revolving Loan Fund.
PLYMOUTH & LINCOLN RAILROAD: The Governor and Council approved the purchasing and rebuilding of a locomotive for use on the CONCORD TO LINCOLN LINE using $65,650 from New Hampshire's Class III Railroad and Cog Railroad Capital Rail Line and Equipment Revolving Loan Fund.
MOUNTAIN DIVISION LINE: Approximately 3,500 new railroad crossties were installed in Bartlett using Special Railroad Funds and CONWAY SCENIC RAILROAD funds.
CONCORD TO LINCOLN LINE: Approximately 750 new railroad crossties were installed from Concord to Northfield using Special Railroad Funds and NEW ENGLAND SOUTHERN RAILROAD funds.
HILLSBORO BRANCH: Ditching approximately 3,500 feet of railroad right-of-way using Special Railroad Funds and MILFORD-BENNINGTON RAILROAD funds.
CONCORD TO LINCOLN LINE: The NEW ENGLAND SOUTHERN RAILROAD'S freight operating agreement was amended to allow for passenger excursion service.
NORTH STRATFORD TO BEECHER FALLS LINE: The NEW HAMPSHIRE CENTRAL RAILROAD'S original rail fieight operating agreement was extended through May 31, 2003, and amended to change some of its obligations.
The DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION acquired from the BOSTON AND MAINE CORPORATION a portion of the WHITE MOUNTAIN BRANCH in Concord.
The DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION acquired from the NEW HAMPSHIRE & VERMONT RAILROAD a section of the BERLIN BRANCH from Jefferson to Gorham.
NEW HAMPSHIRE NORTHCOAST RAILROAD: The DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION received $40,000 in reprogrammed funds from the Federal Railroad Administration to reimburse the New Hampshire Northcoast Corporation for the Federal share for the rehabilitation of a portion of the railroad line from Rochester to Rollinsford.
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