CONCORD - Gov. John Lynch today signed into law a bill aimed at moving New Hampshire forward in the development of commuter rail. The legislation (HB 1404) requires the New Hampshire Rail Transit Authority to maintain liability insurance for passenger rail service.

Last year, Gov. Lynch signed legislation creating the New Hampshire Rail Transit Authority, which is overseeing the development of commuter rail in New Hampshire. The Authority supported the new law saying the limit on liability, which caps the state’s liability at $75 million, is essential in moving forward with commuter rail service in the southern tier. The law is similar to one passed in Massachusetts in 1994.

“Re-establishing rail in New Hampshire is critical to our future economic growth as a state. It will help protect the environment and improve the overall quality of life in our state. That is why it is important we work together and take the necessary steps to bring commuter rail back to New Hampshire,” Gov. Lynch said. “I am pleased sign this important piece of legislation into law so we can continue the progress we have already made in returning rail to New Hampshire.”

“Expanding our highways is not the only solution to reducing congestion on New Hampshire’s highways. Bringing rail back to New Hampshire is part of an overall strategy to make transportation in New Hampshire easier and safer for our citizens and our environment,” Gov. Lynch said.

HB 1404 was sponsored by Reps. Peter Leishman, Bette Lasky, Peter Bergin and Jim Ryan.