Hassan Signs First Bill Into Law, Aids Hampton Harbor

The governor is expected to sign her first piece of legislation into law Thursday afternoon, a Senate bill that reauthorizes funding for the dredging of Hampton Harbor and the reconstruction of its "severely deteriorated metal bulkhead."

The bill, Senate Bill 39-FN-A, was sponsored by Sen. Nancy Stiles, R-Hampton, and a state spokesman said Stiles is expected to join Gov. Maggie Hassan as she signs the bill in a brief ceremony in the Executive Council Chambers.

Here's a description of the bill:

SB 39-FN-A, relative to funding of capital projects of the division of ports and harbors, Pease development authority. OUGHT TO PASS.

Rep. Gene G Chandler for Public Works and Highways: This bill reauthorizes already appropriated bonding authority for the purpose of dredging Hampton Harbor and for reconstructing a severely deteriorated metal bulkhead at Hampton Harbor. The waterway at Hampton Harbor has been maintained at state expense.

Commercial traffic has increased to a point where the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has agreed to take over maintenance of the waterway provided that the State dredges the harbor to a certain depth, and the Corps of Engineers will then dredge the harbor deeper. The committee heard testimony that the metal bulkhead is in very poor condition and, if not replaced, portions of the harbor will be closed. The work is being done at the same time to allow use of dredged material in construction of the bulkhead. The committee also felt this project is essential for jobs and to protect the local fishing economy. The bill is being taken up out of the normal capital appropriation cycle so that work can be completed before it impacts waterway traffic in the summer months. The bill decreases future general fund expenditures because of the transfer of maintenance responsibilities to the Corps of Engineers. The bonded indebtedness impact is minimal because the bill reuses already authorized, but unissued capital authority. Vote 19-0.