Politics & Government
Toll Relief Coming to Merrimack
Legislature, governor support bill that removes tolls at Exit 12 on the Everett.
Merrimack's legislative delegation can celebrate a victory in the perennial fight for toll relief. The House of Representatives passed a bill April 23 to remove the tolls at the Everett turnpike's Exit 12.
The bill, which also increases the state's gas tax by 4 cents a gallon, will be heading to Gov. Maggie Hassan, who has said she will sign it into law.
Rep. Lenette M. Peterson, R-Merrimack, offered an amendment to remove two other tolls on the turnpike, but the amendment was defeated.
"The town of Merrimack should be released from bondage," Peterson said.
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Rep. Daniel Tamburello, R-Londonderry, called the toll removal the moral thing to do. "These people have been suffering with these tolls long enough," he said.
Rep. David Campbell, D-Nashua, maintained that removing additional tolls would have a negative impact on the revenue fund and the bond council would certainly oppose it.
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The bill was ultimately passed by the House, 193 to 141.
Its sponsors are: Sen. Jim Rausch, R-Derry, Sen. Nancy Stiles, R-Hampton, Sen. David Boutin, R-Hooksett, Sen. David Watters, D-Dover, Sen. Lou D'Allesandro, D-Manchester, Rep. David Campbell, D-Nashua, Rep. Candace Bouchard, D-Concord, and Rep. John Cebrowski, R-Bedford.
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