November 30, 2008
Seacoast Online

CONCORD (AP) — A grim financial outlook for highway construction in New Hampshire has some state lawmakers considering a gasoline-tax increase. Rep. David Campbell, D-Nashua, who led a study of the state’s highway fund, said recently that he will sponsor a bill to increase the tax. He’ll figure out an amount after he knows how much federal aid the state will get. Campbell spoke on the same day the state Transportation Department made its budget request at a hearing in Concord. Transportation Commissioner George Campbell, who is no relation, warned of a $1 billion shortfall in the state’s 10-year highway construction plan. Gov. John Lynch has opposed increasing the gasoline tax in the past. Spokesman Colin Manning says Lynch is discussing alternatives with the department.

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Note: Representative David Campbell, D-Nashua, received a “D” rating from the independent NHLA group for the 2006-2008 session.