Maintain and Expand Freight Rail Service (TLU Action 2.B.2.b)

Maintain and expand freight rail service within New Hampshire as part of a balanced, state-wide, multi-modal transportation system that keeps the state competitive with and accessible to the rest of the region. Initial actions would focus on sustaining and improving existing freight rail service. Near- to mid-term actions would include strategic improvements and expansions to increase freight rail usage – for example, track upgrades and restoration of lost rail connections to Canada, New Hampshire's major trading partner. Long-term actions would address the goal of expanding freight rail service throughout the state. Because any substantial improvements to rail service will almost certainly require expenditure of public monies, attention to sustainable funding sources will be a priority.