The commission opened a public hearing on the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) amendment regarding the US Route 4 and Madbury Road intersection project. The vote to open the hearing passed with six votes in favor from Paul Ras, Fergus Register, Mark Richardson, Kate Bazard, Sarah Resman, and Steve Stansel. The project involves constructing a hybrid roundabout, and construction funding increased by 25% for 2027. A motion to close the hearing and approve TIP number four and the minutes passed unanimously. Staff released the 2026 Regional Data Snapshot, a 185-page document covering over 160 data points on demographics and economic vitality. The commission received a presentation from NYU Wagner students on a childcare ecosystem study for the Strafford region, identifying a shortfall of 940 childcare slots. The SRPC annual meeting is scheduled for June 25th at The Oaks in Somersworth.
The SRPC Commission meeting on March 20, 2026, began with introductions and a round-table discussion. Speakers identified included Paul Rasmus (Chair), Mike Finsky (Somersworth), Mark Richardson, and Kevin Sullivan (Rochester), among others from various towns and the SRPC.
Rochester is closing Maple Street School at the end of the year due to a $4.5 million budget shortfall and high lead levels in the building; this closure is expected to save $1.9 million. The city is also seeking developers for the former Cary Pharmacy property, with two proposals presented for public input. Somersworth held a second conceptual hearing on converting the Holy Trinity Church into housing, potentially including community space and 75 two-bedroom units.
The SRPC brownfields program was promoted as a resource for environmental assessments on municipal properties. The Regional Plan workshop identified draft action items, with commissioners providing feedback on land use, environment, and transportation themes. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn.
The Commission approved the April 17th meeting minutes. Regarding the Mil Pond Dam removal in Durham, construction on Route 108 South begins June 1 or 15, 2026, extending through November 2026. The Durham Waste Management Committee seeks regional partners for commercial composting programs. Somersworth will transition to cart-based trash and recycling collection in one year, maintaining the pay-as-you-throw model which generates about $1 million in revenue. The governor will nominate Opportunity Zones 2.0 census tracts in July 2026, with eligible areas in Somersworth and Farmington. Public comment on the draft Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) is open until June 7, 2026, with the final draft and response log due June 12. Land protection grant applications are due May 28, 2026. The next meeting is scheduled for June 19, 2026, to elect Executive Committee members.
The Commission heard presentations on July 17, 2026, regarding large electrical loads and state permitting. No votes were taken, and no budget items or appointments were discussed. ISO New England presented on grid planning, forecasting data center load impacts, and a pending Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) filing due in November. Steven Roy from New Hampshire DES explained permitting programs for data centers, including Alteration of Terrain and groundwater withdrawal permits. Public discussion addressed local concerns about corporate influence, water usage, and the state's "rich because of the water" status. The meeting concluded with a recommendation to distribute presentation slides or a recording to communities for educational purposes.
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUlcCzMWrtY
The Commission adopted a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy for the next five years following a public hearing. The plan incorporated public comments regarding aging populations, transportation, and tourism, and added an action item to align with other regional strategic plans. The vote was unanimous.
The fiscal year 2027 budget, estimated at nearly $100,000 less than the current fiscal year, was adopted. Despite a projected $30,000 to $40,000 loss for fiscal 2025 due to staffing issues, the FY27 budget is balanced. Personnel costs comprise nearly two-thirds of expenses. The budget also funds hazard mitigation plans for Somersworth, Rollinsford, and New Durham.
Commissioners elected a slate of officers and executive committee members for FY27. The June 2027 meeting date was moved from June 18 to June 11 to accommodate Juneteenth. Next steps include field trips in September and the annual meeting on June 25, 2026.
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WRTDqnaKA6A