Committee Summary for Senate Capital Budget (04/25/2025)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
Unclear 00:07:44.240 - 8:05:25 AM	General Working Session	Unclear

Unclear: Stephanie Simick, Director of New Hampshire Fish and Game, and Kathy Labonte, Chief of Business Operations Information Only00:07:44.240 - 8:05:25 AM; Stephanie Simick and Kathy Labonte from New Hampshire Fish and Game discussed the need to replace a 30-year-old backhoe due to safety concerns and the inability to find replacement parts. The backhoe is used statewide across various divisions for projects and maintenance of facilities. The cost of $350,000 is proposed to be funded through capital funds over a 20-year bond, rather than through the operating budget. They confirmed the equipment is used year-round and is critical for the agency's operations.
Unclear: Senator Waters Information Only00:10:02.160 - 8:07:43 AM; Senator Waters raised a question about the appropriateness of purchasing equipment through the capital budget, indicating a need for further discussion on this matter.
Unclear: Senator Gray Information Only00:11:15.839 - 8:08:56 AM; Senator Gray expressed concerns about the cost and necessity of purchasing a new backhoe, suggesting the use of older machinery and questioning the feasibility of leasing equipment. He also inquired about the specific uses of the backhoe, such as creating boat launches, building bridges, and restructuring habitats.
Unclear: Senator Information Only00:14:31.360 - 8:12:12 AM; A senator raised concerns about the decision to cut funding for fish stocking programs in towns, which affected fishing derbies and potentially future license sales. Stephanie Simick explained that the decision was temporary and aimed at reassessing fish production projections, with plans to find alternative solutions for the next year.
Unclear: Senator Gray Information Only00:17:52.799 - 8:15:33 AM; Senator Gray suggested exploring the possibility of sharing equipment with the Department of Transportation, particularly for seasonal use, to reduce costs and consider more reasonable equipment options.
Unclear: Senator Information Only00:18:59.440 - 8:16:40 AM; A senator mentioned that the town of Hopkinton faced increased costs for a fishing event due to the department's decision to cut funding, emphasizing the negative impact on community events.
Unclear: Monica Mezzapelle, State Treasurer Information Only00:19:55.919 - 8:17:36 AM; Monica Mezzapelle, the State Treasurer, provided an overview of the state's financial situation and debt affordability. She discussed the state's credit rating and the impact of fiscal imbalances, explaining how debt service is calculated and monitored to ensure it does not exceed 10% of unrestricted revenue. She also highlighted the state's prudent borrowing policy and the importance of maintaining a good credit profile.
Unclear: Charlie Arlinghouse, Department of Administrative Services, Karen Rantamaki, Director of Plant and Property, and Ted Copp, Director of Public Works Information Only00:33:24.000 - 8:31:05 AM; Charlie Arlinghouse, Karen Rantamaki, and Ted Copp from the Department of Administrative Services discussed the department's role in managing state buildings and capital projects. They highlighted the significant deferred maintenance costs and outlined their capital budget requests, including HVAC and boiler projects for court facilities, brick repointing, window replacements at state hospital campuses, and elevator repairs. They also mentioned the need for funding for the ERP system upgrade.
Unclear: David Reeders, Chief Operating Officer, and Nathan White, Chief Financial Officer, Department of Health and Human Services Information Only00:51:42.000 - 8:49:23 AM; David Reeders and Nathan White from the Department of Health and Human Services presented their capital projects, which included IT projects for Medicaid management and eligibility services, and a facilities project for an elevator at Glencliff Home. They detailed the Medicaid enterprise modular strategy and the modernized eligibility services, emphasizing the importance of federal funding and the need to streamline services. The Glencliff Home elevator project was discussed due to the outdated and failing current system.
Unclear: Melissa White, Division Director for Learner Support, Department of Education Information Only01:03:43.440 - 9:01:24 AM; Melissa White from the Department of Education discussed the career and technology education centers renovation request, focusing on the Milford Applied Technology Center project. The project aims to renovate existing programs and add new ones in high demand, such as automotive and health sciences, to prepare students for immediate job opportunities. The project's funding was not approved in the previous budget, and they plan to revisit it with voters in 2026.
Unclear: Lance Whitehead, Lavallee Brensinger Architects Information Only01:08:35.319 - 9:06:16 AM; Lance Whitehead from Lavallee Brensinger Architects provided the engineering costs for the Milford Applied Technology Center project, totaling $1.6 million. He explained the project's funding challenges due to local voting requirements and the need for a single bond vote to move forward.
Unclear: Bob Scott, Department of Environmental Services, and Susan Carlson, Chief Operating Officer Information Only01:15:35.640 - 9:13:16 AM; Bob Scott and Susan Carlson from the Department of Environmental Services discussed their capital budget requests, including matching funds for federal programs, dam repairs, and upgrades to the Winnipesaukee River Basin wastewater treatment system. They highlighted the need for ongoing maintenance and the importance of leveraging federal funds for community projects.
Unclear: Bill Cass, Commissioner, and Danielle Shanda, Director of Finance, Department of Transportation Information Only01:26:11.719 - 9:23:52 AM; Bill Cass and Danielle Shanda from the Department of Transportation discussed their capital budget requests, which included general fund and highway fund projects. They outlined priorities such as transit vehicle and FAA project matches, railroad tie replacements, and facility repairs. They also mentioned the need for additional funds for state railroad facilities and the ongoing investment in private freight lines.
Unclear: Sarah Stewart, Commissioner, and Jace Worth, Manager of Franconia Notch State Park, Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Information Only01:46:53.639 - 9:44:34 AM; Sarah Stewart and Jace Worth from the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources focused on the need for funding to replace the tram at Cannon Mountain. They requested shifting funds from other projects, such as Connecticut Lakes Headwaters road repairs and Lake Umbagog State Park marina facilities, to the tram project. They discussed the current status of the tram and the planned structural analysis to ensure cost efficiency in the bidding process.

McConkey, Mark(Chairman)(R)	Gray, James(V Chairman)(R)[C+]2024	Carson, Sharon(R)[C]2024
Watters, David(D)[CT]2024	Fenton, Donovan(D)[F]2024