New Bridge Between NH and Maine to Be Built Next Year.

(Portsmouth) -  New Hampshire says replacement of the Sarah Long Bridge between New Hampshire and Maine is a priority.  Where the funding is coming from is still an issue.

Members of New Hampshire's House Public Works and Highway Committee have visited the bridge in Portsmouth.  The bridge is now the state's number 1 red listed bridge.  Work on the $160 million dollar project is expected to begin next year, with completion in 2017.  Maine and New Hampshire co-own the bridge.  Each state has committed $80 million dollars.  Federal Highway Administration funding is expected to pay for the bulk of the project.  But lawmakers say the states are looking to apply for the next round of Federal Transportation Inestment Generating Economic Recovery, or TIGER grants.