Gov. Hassan Pledges Support for I-93, Exit 4A

At this morning's State of the Region breakfast in Derry, Gov. Maggie Hassan pledged to make sure the Interstate 93 and Exit 4A projects are completed.

"I-93 remains unfinished," Hassan said. "I understand how important this effort is to Derry and Londonderry. We know there are businesses just waiting to grow and begin adding jobs."

Moving forward with the Exit 4A project, she said, "will improve the economy" by reducing traffic for commuters and residents.

Hassan was also asked about the proposal to develop the Pettingill Road area of Londonderry, which could open up hundreds of acres to development.

The governor acknowledged she isn't completely up to speed on the proposal, but promised to speak with Department of Transportation Commissioner Chris Clement and return with an answer.

"I am certainly committed to make sure we have the infrastructure in place that would attract that development," she said.

She also spoke of the hundreds of red-listed bridges that are "risking public safety and our economy." The replacement of the Memorial Bridge and repairs to the Sarah Long Bridge in Portsmouth have left just one bridge from New Hampshire into Maine.

"Maintaining and repairing our state's roads and bridges… are absolutely crucial for our economy. As it stands, we barely have enough money to do the minimum."

In order to make many of these improvements, additional revenue is needed. One way to generate that revenue, Hassan said, is by allowing one, high-end casino to build in New Hampshire.

She said a casino would bring an estimated $80 million in revenue to the state's coffers and would also create jobs and attract new businesses.

"It would mean tens of millions of dollars that could be used to strengthen our economy," Hassan said. "With Massachusetts moving forward with three casinos, we can no longer pretend that expanded gambling isn't coming to our cities. It is, and if we don't act, revenues from New Hampshire residents will fund Massachusetts' needs while we still bear the social costs."

As for where that casino should go, Hassan wouldn't cite a specific town or location.

"I've said in Southern New Hampshire," she said. "I think it's really important that we have a competitive bidding process."

Hassan also spent a great deal of time talking about the importance of keeping existing businesses in the state and attracting new ones. She spoke of the need for affordable higher education so those companies have an educated workforce.

"We stand at the threshold of a really bright, new future," Hassan said. "But we cannot sit back and just wait for an innovation economy to develop. We must lead the way. Now is the time for New Hampshire to choose our own path forward and build a path forward to a more innovative future."

This morning's State of the Region event was put on by the Greater Derry Londonderry Chamber of Commerce. It was held at Promises to Keep in Derry.