City could net BSP funds

BSP – maybe the acronym at least could stand for “Big Sidewalk Path.”

The city may get $500,000 in federal dollars to add sidewalks to the proposed Broad Street Parkway and new Nashua River Bridge. The sidewalks would connect to existing sidewalks in the Millyard.

U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen announced Friday that her request to enhance the Broad Street Parkway and bridge has been approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee. The legislation will now go to the full Senate for final passage.

“This project will help make Nashua a more pedestrian-friendly city, and will help increase foot traffic to area businesses,” Shaheen said. “We must continue to invest in our communities so that they can enhance infrastructure that supports economic growth.”

Nashua Mayor Donnalee Lozeau welcomed the announcement, thanking Shaheen.

“The city requested this federal funding to help offset cuts we were forced to make due to rising construction costs,” Lozeau said.

“This will go a long way to helping the Millyard district be an enjoyable place to walk,” the mayor said.

The funds will contribute to a $60 million Nashua initiative to construct a 1.8-mile, two-lane roadway connecting Broad Street to Pine and West Hollis streets. Once completed, the full project will greatly improve east-west mobility in Nashua, connecting the F.E. Everett Turnpike to downtown Nashua, the Millyard and the Front and Franklin streets mill district.

The sidewalk funding was approved as part of the fiscal year 2010 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, which includes $3.5 million for projects in New Hampshire.