Politics & Government

Poll finds support for rail, gambling, Northern Pass

UNH Survey Center poll explores four hot-button legislative issues.

Passenger rail and expanded gambling in New Hampshire earned support in a statewide poll released March 24 by the Greater Nashua Chamber of Commerce.

Almost six out of every 10 people polled by the University of New Hampshire Survey Center expressed support for casino gambling.

The poll also asked respondents their opinions on possible increases in the state's gasoline tax to pay for roads and their views of the Northern Pass power transmission project, whose critics include the Appalachian Mountain Club.

The findings indicate majority opposition to an increase in the gas tax, though those surveyed softened their view if the increase is dedicated to road repairs. A plurality of would-be voters also expressed support Northern Pass, said Chris Williams, president and chief executive officer of the Greater Nashua Chamber of Commerce.

Just as casino gambling is popular in greater Salem, home to Rockingham Park, passenger rail has had long-time supporters in greater Nashua. 

“Our survey is one of the first to put real dollar signs next to potential state support for passenger rail, and we are thrilled to see that NH voters support passenger rail even when told it may require a state investment of up to $100 million and annual operational subsidies of up to $15 million," Williams said in a press release. "This is significant, showing that NH voters care enough about the economic benefits of passenger rail that they would support the state making a sizable investment in its creation and future operations."


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here