April 23, 2008

FROM: JOHN D. SHEA, Executive Councilor

NEWS RELEASE
FOR EXECUTIVE COUNCIL DISTRICT TWO
April 23, 2008

FROM JOHN D. SHEA, Executive Councilor

April 23, 2008 Concord, NH - Listed below are some of the items that were approved at the Governor and Council Meeting, April 23, 2008,that might be of interest to District Two constituents.

The next scheduled Governor and Council meeting will be held in Plymouth, New Hampshire on May 7, 2008.

OFFICE OF ENERGY AND PLANNING

Authorized to amend a sole source contract with Southwestern Community Services Inc., Keene, NH, (previously amended on 3-5-08, Late item B), for the Fuel Assistance Program, by increasing the amount by $434,804 from $2,667,035 to $3,101,839. Effective upon G&C approval through September 30, 2008. 100% Federal Funds.

Authorized a Working Capital Warrant in the amount of $450,000,000 to cover expenditures for the Month of May 2008. (2) Further Authorized a Working Capital Warrant reporting expenditures of $445,384,901.82 for the Month of March and recommend the balance of $604,615,098.18 be lapsed.

NH FISH AND GAME DEPARTMENT

Authorized to enter into a sole source contract with the Audubon Society of NH, Concord, NH, for implementing Wildlife Action Plan strategies in the amount of $78,493. Effective upon G&C approval through March 31, 2009. 100% Federal Funds.

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES

Authorized to enter into a grant agreement with the NH Lakes Association, Concord, NH, for the purpose of milfoil prevention activities in the amount of $161,000. Effective upon G&C approval through May 31, 2009. 100% Lake Restoration Funds. (2) Further Authorized to award an advance payment in the amount of $75,000 to the NHLA in accordance with the terms of the grant agreement. 100% Lakes Restoration Program Funds.

Authorized to enter into an agreement with The Nature Conservancy, Concord, NH, to complete the Restoration Planning Aquatic Connectivity in High Quality Waters of the Ashuelot River Watershed Project, in the amount of $27,136. Effective upon G&C approval through December 31, 2009. 100% Federal Funds.

Authorized to enter into a grant agreement with the NH Rivers Council, Concord, NH, for the purpose of invasive aquatic algae prevention activities in the amount of $6,000. Effective upon G&C approval through December 31, 2008. (2) Further Authorized to award an advance payment in the amount of $5,000 to the NHRC in accordance with the terms of the grant agreement. 100% Lakes Restoration Funds.

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Office of the Commissioner

Authorized to make a one-time payment of $25,000 to the United Way of Merrimack County, Concord, NH, to provide support for statewide 2-1-1 information and referral service. Effective upon G&C approval through June 30, 2008. 100% General Funds.

Office of Medicaid Business and Policy

Authorized Dental Unit to enter into an agreement with David A. Gruette, D.D.S., Center Barnstead, NH, to function as dental consultant in an amount not to exceed $127,920. Effective July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2010. 50% Federal, 50% General Funds.

Division of Family Assistance

Authorized to accept and expend $21,150 of US Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Services, Food Stamp Program funds and Federal matching funds in the amount of $18,850, for a total of $40,000. Effective upon G&C approval through June 30, 2008. 47% Federal, 53% Agency Income – Food Stamp Bonus Funds.

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Authorized to enter into a contract with L.A. Brochu Inc., Concord, NH, on the basis of a low bid of $128,664 for establishment of lilac beds along highways throughout the State. Effective upon G&C approval through October 30, 2009. 100% Wildflower Funds.

The Governor nominated the following individuals from District Two to State of New Hampshire Boards and Commissions:

Kathleen A. Sternenberg, Hopkinton, NH, Board of Mental Health Practice Santo Presti, Penacook, NH, Director of Audit Division in the Department of Administration Eric Falkenham, Hopkinton, NH, Transportation Appeals Board

Over 300 citizen appointments are confirmed annually for citizens to serve on various state agencies, boards and commissions. Commissions, advisory boards and other similar bodies are continually being created or eliminated by state statute. For the most accurate listing of current boards and commissions visit the Red Book at http://www.sos.nh.gov/redbood/index.htm

Represents the cities and towns of Acworth, Allenstown, Alstead, Andover, Antrim, Barnstead, Bennington, Boscawen, Bow, Bradford, Brookfield, Canterbury, Chesterfield, Chichester, Concord, Danbury, Deerfield, Deering, Dublin, Epsom, Farmington, Francestown, Franklin, Gilmanton, Gilsum, Goshen, Greenfield, Hancock, Harrisville, Henniker, Hill, Hillsborough, Hopkinton, Langdon, Lempster, Loudon, Marlborough, Marlow, Middleton, Milton, Nelson, New Durham, Newbury, New London, Northfield, Northwood, Pembroke, Pittsfield, Rollinsford, Rochester, Roxbury, Salisbury, Somersworth, Stoddard, Strafford, Sullivan, Surry, Sutton, Unity, Walpole , Warner, Washington, Weare, Webster, Westmoreland, Wilmot, and Windsor.
For additional information on the cities and towns in this district, go to www.nh.gov/municipal/.