In a virtual conversation on Feb. 8, U.S. Congressman Chris Pappas, D-NH, met with members of the Greater Derry Londonderry Chamber of Commerce’s Economic Development and Infrastructure Committee, who shared with the congressman the challenges they’re still facing due to the pandemic, and how supporting infrastructure investment could boost the economy.

Pappas, who will again serve on the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, said transportation and infrastructure are top priorities for him in his second term representing the 1st Congressional District.

He said that federal investment in infrastructure projects can put people back to work, with bridges, roads, trail systems, commuter rail service, water systems and broadband potentially making a big impact on the economic health of the state.

Londonderry Town Manager Kevin Smith was on the call and said his community’s water issues are on the state’s radar and a top priority.

He said having support for good water quality would be “near and dear” to his heart.

“As we work to overcome this pandemic and find ways to restart our economy following the economic crisis, federal investments in New Hampshire’s infrastructure including our roads, bridges, waterways, rail lines and broadband have never been more important,” Pappas said. “I will continue to work in a bipartisan fashion to bring both sides together to keep the focus on how we can deliver solutions for Granite Staters and move our country forward.”

— JULIE HUSS/THE EAGLE-TRIBUNE