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 HelloReturn to index of stories... |
Hello. I'm Allison McNair. Welcome to NH Outlook. |
| Intro I93 Expansion Return to index of stories... |
Whether you commute to and from Boston on Interstate 93, or you just occasionally make the trip on I -93, you're probably familiar with the traffic congestion that can plague that stretch of highway from Manchester to Salem. Well, The New Hampshire Department of Transportation has come up with a plan to widen I-93, but not everyone is happy with it. Jaqui Pini has the details. - New Hampshire's transportation commissioner says she is shocked about how the Environmental Protection Agency is reacting to plans to widen Interstate 93. Transportation Commissioner Carol Murray says the state has put together a good plan to compensate communities that will be affected by the widening. But the regional head of the environmental agency says the state isn't doing enough to help communities prepare for a sudden population boom that's expected to accompany the project. Robert Varney wrote a letter to Murray last week urging the state to spend roughly 52 million dollars to compensate towns and cities. Construction is expected to last six years. |
| I93 Expansion Return to index of stories... |
Open up with NATSOT car honking in traffic SOT Captain Burke NH State Police Tape 4 " With the volume of traffic we have at this time, and it is traveling so close together, one car after another, all you have to do is make one mistake and it is very unforgiving 1- Track 11:41:12 or 11:41:54 # 29 on audio disk Captain Ray Burke is one of the many New Hampshire State police officers patrolling Interstate 93. SOT--Captain Tape 4 "For every 5 minutes that you hold up traffic, it is backed up a mile." 2- Track #-30 on audio disk It may be an interstate highway, but some commuters say this 2-lane thruway feels more like a parking lot. SOT Commuter 3- Track # 11 on audio disk This 18-mile stretch of Interstate 93 was built in the 1960's. It begins in Salem and ends in Manchester. While it was designed to hold around 60,000 vehicles per day, currently that number is over 100,000. If figures in the 2000 census are any indication that number will continue to grow. SOT-Commissioner Carol Murray NHDOT TAPE 1 "It is way, way over capacity. In other words the cars that are out there are beyond what it was ever designed for. What has resulted is a totally unacceptable crash rate." 4- Track # 34 on audio disk The New Hampshire Department of Transportation has spent the past few years planning solutions to the chronic traffic problems. SOT Murray TAPE 1 "We have looked at various options, 3 lanes in each direction, 4 lanes in each direction, different interchange configurations. What is part of this project, we have several elements that you really don't think of when you think of widening an interstate." 5- Track # 36 on audio disk And some of those elements include a bicycle pedestrian pathway, railroad, and park and ride locations. They are also looking into something called intelligent transportation systems. These will use both computer technology and road surveillance to relieve congestion. Standup Tape 2 "While widening 93 may mean relief for commuters, many residents are concerned about the noise, prompting the Department of Transportation to considering building sound barriers like these in residential areas." SOT Captain Tape 4 Burke "I can just imagine living near the road and you hear tracker trailer rigs or cars constantly going by. It has got to be significant with the amount of traffic that is there. 6- Track # 37on audio disk And noise is only one of the concerns advocate's have about this project. SOT Nancy Girard Tape 2 Conservation Law Foundation 3:09:49 "There just simply needs to be more public input in this process" 7- Track # 21 on audio disk While acknowledging 93 needs updating, the Conservation Law Foundation, the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests, New Hampshire Public Interest Research Group and the New Hampshire chapters of the Audubon Society and the Sierra Club want the Department of Transportation to recognize their concerns. One of which is to help the 23 communities located outside of the busy I-93 corridor. The groups want the state to plan for the impact this expansion will have on their roads, wetlands, and overall community. Additionally, they want to see transportation alternatives for commuters who choose not to drive their cars. SOT Girard Tape 2 3:08:56 "These groups are advocating for three lanes and a real rail alternative…3:09:27 taking a look at some other infrastructure that we already have in that areas like the Manchester to Lawrence line, which is a line that could carry both freight and passengers" 8- Track # 52 on audio disk Advocates believe a heavy rail train would reduce traffic and passengers. But the Department of Transportation remains unconvinced commuters would utilize alternative transportation SOT Carol Murray 12:32 "We as a society are not very good at getting out of our cars. The bus is great, but why don't you take it, so I can drive my car. There is a whole philosophical element around single occupancy vehicles" 9- Track # 46 on audio disk Between public hearings and State and Federal approval, construction is still a few years away. This may give the Department of Transportation time to start gathering some of the money needed to fund the project. With construction alone carrying an estimated price tag of 325 million, should drivers expect to pay tolls on the renovated highway? SOT Commissioner 11:36 "No I do not expect it will be tolled. We anticipate using federal and state dollars. " SOT Captain 11:38:16 "It served a lot of people well for a long time, and it will continue to do that. I know that DOT has a plan to modify or fix the problem with the sheer numbers of traffic, and we just have to be patient that it will be designed, that it will be built. It will be much better than it is now, it just takes a little time to do that." 10- Track# 47on audio disk For New Hampshire Outlook, I am Jacqui Pini |
| Intro Discussion Return to index of stories... |
Here to talk more about the I-93 expansion project - Carol Murray - Commissioner of Department of Transportation - along with Senate President Arthur Klemm, who represents the district directly impacted by the expansion. Senator Klemm is also a resident of Windham. We want to mention at the top Carol, that you did not feel it would be productive for you to appear with either someone from the regional E-P-A or the Conservation Law Foundation. Sen Klemm - What was the initial reaction of your district/community when it heard about expansion plans for I-93? What are some of those major areas of concern? Carol - In a letter from Bob Varney of the EPA, he says that the D-O-T has not taken under consideration the substantial growth and development impact of the project. You've been quoted as saying you were "shocked." Why? Carol, in the piece we just saw, the Conservation Law Foundation says revitilization of the railway system should be included in the plans - was that an option that was looked at? What about communities that are ouside the immediate impacted area - Aubrun Chester and Hooksett - have you met with them about concerns? What is DOT offering - 18 million for preservation of Environmentalists say if you build it they will come and D-O-T offer falls short not consider resulting boom. Some environmental groups are calling for the state to preserve 3400 acres well beyond primary impact communities of derry salem windham, londonderry and Manchester to compensate for secondary impact estimate by conservation law foundation 40 thousand acres developed for residential 100 thousand for commerical development as a result of expansion do you agree with those numbers? This is a major project - largest public works project 350 million.significant consequence to they was South and Central New Hampshire will grow - has that been considered by DOT? ***hotchange**** |
| Intro Nascar Return to index of stories... |
Race weekend ended with a splash at New Hampshire International Speedway in Loudon on Sunday. Outlook correspondent Ben French has the story. |
| Race Weekend Return to index of stories... |
TRACK 1: Nascar drivers at The New Hampshire International Speedway were given the red light after only 22 laps of racing because of rain. Many fans gave up hope but the showers let up and the racers were back on the track about an hour later to finish up the race. SOT: 28:04 fortunately we haven't had that experience before because all of our races have gone on as scheduled 28:08OUT TRACK 2: Track Spokesman Ron Meade says it takes more than a little rain for a diehard NASCAR fan to miss a race. A lot of that has to do with the 800 horse power cars and all the noise, action and star power that make for great entertainment- Fans like Mary return year after year. SOT: NHIS T3; Mary Siebel, Camden, NY-6:59-7:02; I come as much as I can- I just left Daytona two weeks ago SOT: 25:54 Right now NASCAR is the fastest growing and what I like to say uniquely 21st century sport that there is and as far as television ratings we occasional knock off the national football league. 26:06OUT STANDUP: 11:29:08 If there's anything more supercharged than the cars it's the fans- over 100,000 expected to show up at Sunday's New Hampshire 300. 11:29:15OUT NAT/SOT: NHIS T1 we love New Hampshire and we love this race! SOT: seventy six % of those people come from out of state so what that means in room and meals tax everything form your Hooksett tolls to the state liquor stores its considerable. It accounts for about 3000 jobs a year with our two Winston cup races TRACK 3: Thousands of those fans camp out at the track- and and that means dollars local business owners like David Jenkins. SOT: not only do we sell some product here but we get a lot of referrals , comebacks after the race and we see it for weeks to come. 55:05 SOT: 9:56 we've had displays here for several years and we think its real beneficial because the type of person that comes ot these events is typically the ATV snowmobile typoe buyer. SOT: 36:42 I think the economic impact is on all levels. If you look at the number of people that work here - so it really keeps quite a vide variety of people employed. I think its substantial- I mean they have it in the figure of millions and millions but I think it transcends that- it's a good public relation for the state and it's a good counter point to some of the other fine aspects we have in this state. 37:03 OUT TRACK 4: But with the added dollars comes a compromise- TRAFFIC. SETUP SOT: 09:14 HOW"S THE TRAFFIC TODAY? Today it's been very light. I was out this morning about six thirty and I was really amazed that the traffic we usually see on 393 and I93 was not there yet. 9:27OUT TRACK 5: For over ten years Gil Rogers has chaired the committee working to mange the traffic in and out of the speedway. SOT: 10:52 Some folks have compared it to- If you took Fenway Park and filled it up with people and you took the Patriots new stadium Gillett- put all those people in there put them all together it still doesn't add up to what we have to deal with today. TRACK 6: When the race is over the state implements a borrow a lane operation. Roger's says It's a great way to ease the traffic burden created by nearly 40 thousand exiting vehicles. SOT: 11:20 T2; Gil 11:19 we take one of the northbound lanes on I93 in Concord and we convert that to a temporary southbound lane through concord- so for about 5 miles theres an opportunity fo people coming down through the lakes region and the mountains to divert around the traffic that's trying to get on to the ramps at exit 15 11:40OUT TRACK 7: Track owner Bob Baere has been so impressed with Roger's ideas he named one of the track roads after him. SOT: T2; 8:36 after a couple years of speaking with him he saw the merits of building an access road that would tie all the parking lots together on the back side of the property. originally all of the traffic tried to get in what is called the main gate and the conflicts between all the pedestrians and the vehicles was really a problem. 08:54 OUT TRACK 8: But traffic or no traffic, Nascar fans will likely continue to flock to Loudon. SOT: NHIS 1; 12:25:25 The kids love it, the wives love it and we have a great time. TAG 10: In Loudon, IBFFNHO. |
| Tag Nascar Return to index of stories... |
Rookie driver Ryan Newman was able to pick up his first career Winston cup win in Sunday's New Hampshire 300. Kurt Busch came in second. |
| Intro Moving Co Return to index of stories... |
Finally. with school well underway, many children are writing reports on how they spent their summer vacation. Some will have memories from a 4 week program they attended in Keene. The Moving Company Dance Center there was alive with 60 nine to fifteen year olds, all involved in a multi-arts program called Creative Arts at Keene. It is a partnership among the Dance Center, Acting Out, the Colonial Theater, Keene Institute of Music, and the city of Keene Youth Services Division. The program is designed to expose young people to new ways of expressing themselves through the arts. Chip Neal has the story. |
| Moving Co Return to index of stories... |
Chip Neal speaks with the director of the camp Marty Hennum and several of the instructors as well as students. Overall their goal is to expose the children to as many forms of art as possible so they can try out a variety over the course of 4 weeks. Marty Hennum believes the children are too often expected to make a large commitment to a single sport or art form before they are old enough to make such a commitment. Through this kind of program children have a chance to explore their interests without making a major committment. And they find new more healthy ways to express themselves. All leading to building their self confidence and self esteem. We speak with children interested in painting, singing, dance, and theater. And we watch two different kinds of dance groups as well as a musical instrument class. |
| Tag Moving Return to index of stories... |
The Moving Company was one of two New Hampshire organizations to receive a National Endowment for the arts grant for this kind of work with teens. Portsmouth's Music Hall was the other recipient for a similar program with the Portsmouth Middle School and their Alternative School. |
| Tomorrow Return to index of stories... |
On the next New Hampshire Outlook - Fresh off his primary victory, we'll hear from Mark Fernald, Democratic nominee for Governor. |
| Goodnight Return to index of stories... |
That's it for this edition of our program. For all of us here at New Hampshire Public Television, I'm Ally McNair. Thanks for joining us. We'll see you next time on New Hampshire Outlook. |
| founders Return to index of stories... |
Thanks to our founding sponsors who have provided major funding for the production of New Hampshire Outlook: New Hampshire Charitable Foundation Public Service of New Hampshire Alice J. Reen Charitable Trust Putnam Foundation Stratford Foundation |
| WEB PROMO Return to index of stories... |
Tonight on New Hampshire Outlook. Fresh off his primary victory, we'll hear from Mark Fernald, Democratic nominee for Governor. Tonight at 10pm on New Hampshire Public Television. |
| key: transportation Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time:9/16/02 / 2200 HOST: Allison McNair Length: 4:53 In addition to a summary of the day's top New Hampshire stories, this edition of New Hampshire Outlook, NHPTV's nightly news magazine, included a report on a plan to widen Interstate 93. Whether you commute to and from Boston on Interstate 93, or you just occasionally make the trip on I -93, you're probably familiar with the traffic congestion that can plague that stretch of highway from Manchester to Salem. Well, The New Hampshire Department of Transportation has come up with a plan to widen I-93, but not everyone is happy with it. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Jacqui Pini NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Captain Ray Burke\NH State Police Dave Naridoni\ Windham Cindy Phillips\Derry Comm Carol Murray\NH Dept of Transportation Jacqui Pini\NH Outlook Nancy Girard\Conservation Law Foundation |
| key: recreation / leisure / sports Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time:9/16/02 / 2200 HOST: Allison McNair Length: 3:58 In addition to a summary of the day's top New Hampshire stories, this edition of New Hampshire Outlook, NHPTV's nightly news magazine, included a report on race weekend in New Hampshire and its impact on traffic and teh state economy PRODUCER/REPORTER:Ben French NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Ron Meade\Track Spokesman Mary Siebel\Camden, NY David Jenkins\MB Tractor and Equipment John Bush\Yamaha Motor Corp Rep James Phinizy\Acworth Gil Rogers\NH Dept of Transportation Joe Treadwell\Auburn, ME |
| Tonight 10:00 Return to index of stories... |
Tonight on New Hampshire Outlook. Join us tonight at 10:00 only on New Hampshire Outlook. |
| News Briefs Return to index of stories... |
Finally, here's a brief look at the news. |
| News Brief Return to index of stories... |
Next on New Hampshire Outlook. "gentlemen start your endines" Race weekend comes to an end in New Hampshire- we'll have the wrap up. |
| Releases Return to index of stories... |
Releases for NASCAR |