U.S. Rep. Frank Guinta said he believes the river dredging project and the replacement of the Sarah Mildred Long Bridge are crucial to sustaining New Hampshire’s economic health.
The Port of New Hampshire is currently suited for ships up to 600 feet long and 108 feet wide, but U.S. Congressman stressed that the Panama Canal expansion means vessels more than 700 feet long and more than 130 feet wide will soon be able to reach New England ports.
“I think it’s in the region’s best interest to have a team effort ,” he said.
Guinta also stated that this port expansion project would be highly bureaucratic and require cooperation between New Hampshire and Maine officials, and the two states would need to agree on the dredging plan.
“This port has a fundamental impact on the immediate local economy, including the northern New England economy, and we have to be competitive with other ports on the Eastern Seaboard, ” concluded Guinta.
[mappress] Dredging Today Staff, February 22, 2012; Image: guinta