Salem BOS approves Iron Horse contract

Oct. 1, 2012

After a review of the entire project by FSBPC and Joe Hattrup, Iron Horse COO, the Salem Board of Selectmen authorized signing the contract with Iron Horse by a 5-0 vote. The next BOS article for Salem to accept $25K from FSBPC was approved after assurances were made that the funds would be spent exclusively on the project and with concurrence of the Friends. Approximately 20 people attended the meeting to show their support, some coming from Methuen and Saugus where Iron Horse has been working. Actual work starting in Salem is pending one final permit issue being resolved while Iron Horse is ready to begin this week.

Friends of SBPC to present $25K

Sept. 30, 2012

The Friends of Salem Bike-Ped Corridor have been quietly working in the background to raise funds for initial expenses not covered by Iron Horse Preservation Society (IHPS). Two grants from the Granite State Wheelmen bicycling club plus donations from the Rockingham Christian Church, Salem Kiwanis, the Salem EMS Store, and three individuals will allow $25K to be presented at the October 1, 2012 Board of Selectmen's meeting to enable the Town to move ahead with contracts supporting this project. Joe Hattrup, IHPS COO, will attend the meeting and explain the process of building a rail trail with no money from taxpayers or the state.

Salem Planning Board approval

Aug. 30, 2012

By a unanimous vote, the Salem Planning Board approved the concept of the Salem Bike-Ped Corridor and added it to the Town's Master Plan. Many details have yet to be resolved including road crossings but with this approval we can continue moving ahead with the project.

Iron Horse work approved

Aug. 16, 2012

The long-awaited "Salvage Agreement" was approved by the NH Governor's Council today, this allowing the Iron Horse Preservation Society to start building the basic trail in Salem -- and at no cost to Salem taxpayers. Plans call for construction from Methuen to Cluff Crossing and from Main Street to Old Rockingham Road. Other sections will be built as time and funding become available.

$1.2M grant awarded

April 4, 2011

A Transportation Enhancement grant was awarded in 2010 to begin the rail trail construction over the three community area of Salem, Windham, and Derry. The grant was sponsored by the regional organization known as Southern New Hampshire Rail Trail Alliance or SNHRTA, www.snhrta.org. This organization is comprised of two representatives from each of the three rail trail groups in Salem, Windham, and Derry of which the Town of Salem is a partner. More details and emails will be posted soon.