Crossing Opens Gate to Partnership

Crossing Opens Gate
to Partnership

NEWMARKET, NH -- At certain rail crossings after a train passes by, the gates raise and the town goes about its business. In the case of Newmarket, New Hampshire, one crossing allowed rail and the town to move along side by side. "This all started when we contacted Guilford Rail System about getting a private crossing installed at a proposed industrial park," said Town Administrator, Al Dixon. "It eventually evolved into Guilford's marketing department volunteering their economic development capabilities."

Currently the dialogue has been centered around 3 parcels of land that total over 325 acres and which abut Guilford's lines leading to Rockingham Junction, NH.

So far, Guilford Rail has brought an asphalt plant operator to the table with further discussions ongoing about bringing in manufacturers of high density fiberboard products.

The properties are also located along Route 108, near I-95 and Route 101, close to a commercial airport in Portsmouth, and within 50 miles of the Boston market.

Geography aside, the Town of Newmarket has committed itself to help any business or industry to access the most lucrative financing packages possible through state, federal, or local sources.

"Rail has been an advantage to developing this industrial area," said Dixson. "It allows us to focus on certain industries that depend on rail for their survival."