CONCORD, N.H. (AP) -- A new study highlights an old problem — that of New Hampshire's deteriorating roads and bridges.
The report — released Tuesday by the nonprofit organization TRIP — says 37 percent of state-maintained roads are in poor condition and nearly one-third of the state's bridges show significant deterioration.
The report mirrors New Hampshire Department of Transportation statistics and is being released a week before a legislative battle over raising the state's gas by 12 cents over the next three years. The tax has remained at 18 cents per gallon for 22 years.
State transportation officials say the state faces a $74 million shortfall to maintain roads and bridges in their current condition.
New Hampshire Motor Transport Association President Robert Sculley says the tax hike would cost his industry jobs.
