Vigilance Needed Against Toll Efforts in Salem

Last week I called for a delay on the confirmation of Chris Clement to lead the N.H. Department of Transportation. The decision by Gov. John Lynch to nominate a supporter of "any and all sources of revenue," including tolls, as the next commissioner concerns me greatly.

Unfortunately, this is not a new battle.

Just last year Salem leaders had to challenge Gov. Lynch and then-Commissioner Campbell on filing for permission to install tolls with the federal government.

Below is an editorial that I wrote at that time. Its focus remains relevant as we confront this new effort to install tolls in Salem:

In last Sunday’s Eagle-Tribune article, "DOT commissioner committed to I-93 toll," N.H. Transportation Commissioner George Campbell reiterated his support for installing toll booths on I-93 in Salem and his intention to continue the authorization application process with the federal government.

While his sentiments are not new, they were his most explicit. In response to this story we have received hundreds of inquiries and concerns from the public. Many are rightly outraged and bewildered as to why their communities along the I-93 corridor, which represents a Golden Goose of revenue production for New Hampshire, would be subjected to this burden.

First, we must immediately dispel a claim being put forward by Commissioner Campbell that Massachusetts is planning a toll proposal on its side of the border and therefore his proposal simply seeks to preempt Massachusetts. To date there is no evidence to support Commissioner Campbell’s claim. Earlier this week in an interview with the New Hampshire Union Leader, the Commissioner, in an apparent clarification, simply stated that he did not “trust” that Massachusetts DOT officials were being truthful in their assertions that they had no immediate plans.

This “he said, she said” quibbling among government officials on such a vital issue is irresponsible. If Commissioner Campbell possesses information beyond his own intuition that Massachusetts is covertly planning a toll proposal, then he should immediately present this information or cease making the claim.

The primary inquiry we are hearing from our constituents is: “What are you doing to resist the toll proposal?” Earlier this month the Boards of Selectmen in Salem, Windham, and Atkinson wrote official letters to Governor John Lynch and Commissioner Campbell announcing their strong opposition. Our local leaders did an excellent job of outlining the major harms that tolls would have on our communities including congestion and danger on secondary roads; severe declines in local business; and wear on local roads by motorists seeking to avoid the toll.

Additionally, tolls will cost New Hampshire residents employed in Massachusetts $4 per day to get back and forth from work, which equals approximately $80 a month and $960 a year in new traveling expenses.

As State Representatives, we have joined with over 70 legislators from both Massachusetts and New Hampshire in opposition. Further, since January we have been actively educating and lobbying our colleagues in the legislature, as well as Governor Lynch about the disastrous consequences that tolls would have not only for the quality of life for the I-93 corridor towns but for all of New Hampshire.

Interstate 93 is a critical artery for New Hampshire commerce and tolls would be a significant blockage to out-of-state shoppers and could arrest our unique sales tax advantage. It would not be a stretch for Massachusetts shoppers to interpret a $2 toll, both entering and leaving Salem, as a $4 sales tax and simply chose to shop at home where the taxes paid will benefit their own state’s services. Eroding our sales tax advantage would not generate funds for highway projects, however, it would produce a massive hemorrhage in business tax revenues along our southern border and result in higher taxes in several areas to make up for the losses.

It is important that our state leaders recognize that this is not exclusively a Salem concern but an issue that directly affects the New Hampshire Advantage.

While still at the infancy stages, tolls could be erected in four short years. Our first goal should be to convince Governor Lynch to withdraw Commissioner Campbell’s federal toll booth application. If given the opportunity we are confident that we can craft and win support for alternative policies, including budget cuts, greater prioritization of projects, better access to federal funds, and better protections for the Highway Trust Fund—all of which would allow the state to complete vital highway projects without having to resort to tolls.

Finally, we need the public’s help. Citizens must contact Governor Lynch, Commissioner Campbell, and Executive Councilor Beverly Hollingworth to express their opposition to the toll proposal. Never forget that your elected leaders are supposed to represent your best interests and must be receptive to your concerns. We need you to share your personal perspectives on how tolls would hinder your quality of life or damage your business. If we are to be successful we must present a united and active opposition.

Though tolls are a real and immediate threat, in the words of New Hampshire native Captain John Paul Jones: “We have not yet begun to fight.”