On June 4 the NHTA and SCC held their joint annual conference at the Grappone Center in Concord. The theme of this Year’s conference was ‘Mission Critical-Mission Possible – Mission Go!’.

The work performed by the Association, Council, and their members is absolutely CRITICAL for the State of New Hampshire’s residents, businesses and communities. And the hope for the future, and what we aspire to, pushes us to press on and GO forward.

During the morning sessions we enjoyed words and updates shared by NHDOT Commissioner David Rodrigue, P.E. and FTA Region 1 Administrator Peter Butler and his staff.

In the first plenary session of the day, Lily Wellington, NH Commission on Aging Executive Director, and Jen Buteau of Impact Consulting, presented a very thorough and insightful update on what we learned from the recently completed New Hampshire Community Transportation Needs Assessment (CTNA). This comprehensive study and analysis of community transportation in New Hampshire will be a valuable tool as we move forward to better serve our state’s needs. The full CTNA Study, and all supporting documentation, should be released to the public soon.

The second plenary session, on Federal Surface Transportation Reauthorization, kicked off with a letter and prerecorded videos from our entire federal delegation, followed by Scott Bogren of the Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA) providing an excellent overview of the recently passed US House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee’s Build 250 Act. As The incredible dedication and effort of everyone working in their communities every day, and those who financially support our work, make it all POSSIBLE. passed, the Act increases funding for public transit over the next 5 years, includes a number of items requested to be considered by CTAA, and serves as a good starting point for future negotiations as reauthorization moves through both the US House and Senate.

Then came the Annual Awards Luncheon!

NHTA Legislative Champion

US Senator Jeanne Shaheen, was recognized as the NHTA’s 2026 Legislative Champion. What follows are some of the remarks shared by Rad Nichols, NHTA Chair and COAST Executive Director.

“I first met Senator Shaheen when she was a member of the NH Senate in the early 1990s. She had agreed to come into COAST’s offices at the UNH garage to talk about our operations and state funding (of course). During our meeting she was focused on what we were sharing, asked excellent questions, and expressed genuine concern and gratitude for the work we were doing. It left a career-long impression on me that, time and time again over the years, has proven accurate.

Whenever we need an advocate in the statehouse or congress, Senator Shaheen and her staff are ready, asking how she can help or otherwise lend her support. And her support has always meant something in either of those halls.

And Senator Shaheen’s staff are present, whether it is for GACIT hearings, other key regional transportation related meetings, annual meetings, project specific meetings, or most anytime their presence is requested. That is due to the Senator’s leadership and true interest in the issues that matter to us.

We will miss the Senator when her current term ends, but we are so proud to have had her fighting by our side all these years. She deserves a full and rewarding retirement, knowing her work truly made a positive difference across New Hampshire and our country.”

Fred Roberge SCC Excellence In Service Award

The NH Commission on Aging received the Fred Roberge SCC Excellence in Service Award for their invaluable work on the Community Transportation Needs Assessment. The Commission first picked up the mantel under the leadership of former Executive Director Rebecca Sky. She understood the importance of better understanding New Hampshire’s transportation challenges as part and parcel of developing holistic, sustainable solutions.

She passed the baton to new Executive Director Lily Wellington. Lily worked closely with Impact Consulting to ensure that Granite Staters were able to make their voices heard by participating in surveys and focus groups. Older adults, people with disabilities, and veterans were able to discuss their needs and whether they are being met. This vital work will inform planning and decision-making for years to come and wouldn’t have been possible without Rebecca and Lily’s hard work and dedication.

Regional Coordination Council Community Transportation Champions

New Hampshire’s eight Regional Coordination Councils each presented a Community Transportation Champion Award to someone whose work has had a profound impact on improving transportation in their region. Award winners included drivers, regional planners, volunteers, business owners, and executive directors. Congratulations to Nick Altonaga, Sharon Fournier, Jane Alden, Tim Josephson, Ed Sweeney, Belmondo Bizokunda, Sylvia von Aulock, and Debbie Perou!

 We look forward to seeing you all again in June 2027!