Senators discuss infrastructure funding for Portsmouth’s waterways

U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan visited the New Hampshire Port Authority yesterday.

During the visit, they discussed the new funding that the New Hampshire Congressional Delegation recently announced for the Army Corps of Engineers to use for maintenance dredging in the Piscataqua River and Portsmouth Harbor shipping channel.

The Senators also received an update on the ongoing Piscataqua River Turning Basin Project, which would widen the uppermost turning basin of the Piscataqua River from 800 feet to 1,200 feet.

“Widening the Piscataqua Turning Basin has long been a top priority for me in the Senate, which is why I’ve fought over the years to secure funding through the annual appropriations process to support this overdue project,” said said Senator Shaheen.

“Maintenance dredging in our shipping channel and harbors has long been an issue affecting safety operations and our local businesses, so it’s important to see these efforts move forward.

“Getting these projects underway are game-changers for New Hampshire waterways: improving navigational safety, creating jobs and boosting the resilience of local infrastructure for years to come. I’ll continue prioritizing the needs of local stakeholders across New Hampshire as funding from the bipartisan infrastructure package reaches our communities.”

The Piscataqua River Turning Basin Project, currently underway, will widen the uppermost turning basin of the Piscataqua River from 800 feet to 1,200 feet.

The additional funding from the bipartisan infrastructure bill will help to support further needed maintenance dredging within Portsmouth Harbor and the Piscataqua River to improve navigation and safety.

According to Shaheen, these important investments in Portsmouth Harbor and Piscataqua River help support the economy, ease supply chain bottlenecks, improve safety, and protect the environment.