5/4/05-A bill that sought to change state law to permit fuel tax proceeds to be used on commuter rail projects has died.
The concurrent resolution – CACR8 – was ruled inexpedient to legislation by the Senate’s transportation panel, effectively killing it for the year.
Sen. Martha Fuller Clark, D-Portsmouth, sponsored the amendment to the state constitution that would have allowed state spending on the extension of commuter rail from Nashua, NH, to Lowell, MA, along with proposed projects on the Seacoast.

1/28/05-A Senate panel heard testimony this week on a proposed change in state law to permit fuel tax proceeds to be used on commuter rail projects.
Sen. Martha Fuller Clark, D-Portsmouth, sponsored an amendment to the state constitution that would allow state spending on the extension of commuter rail from Nashua, NH, to Lowell, MA, along with proposed projects on the Seacoast.
Speaking to the Senate Transportation and Interstate Cooperation Committee Jan. 26, bill opponents warned the proposal would jeopardize high-priority road work such as the widening of Interstate 93 from Salem to Manchester.
Supporters of the effort argued would permit the state to strike the proper balance between economic growth and protecting the environment.
The concurrent resolution – CACR8 – would need to be approved by lawmakers and then go to a statewide vote requiring a two-thirds majority for passage in the November 2006 general election.
The proposal remains in the Senate transportation panel. For bill status, call (603) 271-2239.