Civil Rights focus
U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young has announced the appointment of Matthew Vicinanzo as the first dedicated Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) for Civil Rights in the District of New Hampshire. According to a press release, this move aims to bolster the enforcement and protection of civil and constitutional rights within the state. A New Hampshire native, Vicinanzo brings experience from his previous role at Crowell & Moring LLP, where he specialized in the federal False Claims Act, anti-fraud statutes and complex commercial disputes. Vicinanzo’s commitment to the community and his eagerness to expand the Civil Rights practice were highlighted by Young as key factors in his appointment. This initiative follows the allocation of two new attorney positions by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, aimed at addressing civil rights as well as domestic terrorism and violent crime in New Hampshire, with the latter role being filled in October 2023.
State of the City
The Greater Manchester Chamber was slated to host the 2024 State of the City event with Manchester’s newly elected Mayor Jay Ruais at The Venues at the Factory, presented by Dartmouth Health, on Wednesday, Feb. 14, at 8 a.m. (moved from Feb. 13 due to weather). According to a press release, this breakfast forum was to provide Chamber members with an opportunity to stay informed about local affairs and engage directly with city leadership. Mayor Ruais was scheduled to outline his priorities and goals for the year ahead, engaging in a comprehensive discussion with moderator Scott Spradling on topics such as the city budget, public safety, economic development and homelessness, as well as the future of Manchester’s school district and his vision for the city. The event was scheduled to include networking, welcoming remarks by GMC President & CEO Heather McGrail, sponsor remarks by Dartmouth Health President & CEO Dr. Joanne Conroy and a moderated Q&A session, culminating in a dialogue on Manchester’s path forward.
Outstanding service
Senior Assistant Attorney General K. Allen Brooks, Chief of the New Hampshire Department of Justice’s Environmental Protection Bureau, has been honored with the 2023 Outstanding Service in Public Sector Law Award at the New Hampshire Bar mid-year meeting, according to a press release. Announced by Attorney General John M. Formella, this recognition is awarded to individuals demonstrating exceptional service in government, military, law enforcement, public interest law services or nonprofit organizations. With a tenure at the NHDOJ since 2004 and leading the Environmental Protection Bureau since 2008, Brooks has dedicated his career to protecting New Hampshire’s environment and natural resources. His accomplishments include securing significant settlements in major environmental cases, such as the State v. Exxon groundwater contamination case, leading efforts against Volkswagen for illegal “defeat devices,” and reaching a settlement with St. Gobain for PFAS remediation in drinking water. Brooks was nominated for the award by his colleagues.
Dam ownership
The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services has been granted the authority through HB1429 to transfer ownership of state-owned dams to municipalities or other interested parties, including the provision for making loans from a dam maintenance revolving loan fund. According to a press release, this legislation, aimed at facilitating the transfer of dams and ensuring that their upkeep or removal aligns with local interests, requires a year’s notice before any state-owned dam removal. It establishes criteria for municipalities to acquire ownership, including legislative approval and agreement on long-term debt and maintenance issues. The law sets up a loan program to support the repair and maintenance of these dams, funded by a newly established dam maintenance revolving loan fund, which will be operational once it accrues a balance of at least $2.5 million. The initiative will be effective from July 1, 2024.
Noise pollution
Sen. Denise Ricciardi has successfully led the passage of SB 580-FN, a bill designed to address noise pollution from highways in communities ineligible for federal funding. According to a press release, this bipartisan effort introduces a new funding mechanism, allowing the New Hampshire Department of Transportation to allocate up to $10 million in turnpike toll credits annually to a Noise Barrier Construction Fund. The initiative, supported by Sens. Watters, Gray and Birdsell, aims to facilitate the construction of noise barriers in New Hampshire neighborhoods overlooked by current federal eligibility criteria. The bill, having been amended by the Senate, is now under review by the Senate Finance Committee.
Keith J. Loud, M.D., M.Sc., Dartmouth Health Children’s physician-in-chief, will participate in a panel discussion on America’s gun violence epidemic following the New Hampshire debut of “On the Exhale,” a one-woman show by Martín Zimmerman, at the Bank of New Hampshire Stage in Concord on Sunday, Feb. 18, at 2 p.m. According to a press release, the play aims to illuminate the real-life impacts of gun violence on families. The panel, also featuring state Sen. Debra Altschiller, will explore solutions to mitigate this crisis. The discussion is part of a production by Theatre Kapow, with tickets available at bit.ly/488lPTZ.
New Hampshire Businesses for Social Responsibility (NHBSR) will celebrate its 2024 Business Sustainability Awards on Wednesday, March 13, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Southern New Hampshire University in Hooksett. According to a press release, this event will recognize businesses, students and individuals who have shown exceptional commitment to sustainability across various categories. The awards are based on the NHBSR’s Measure What Matters 101 Survey. NHBSR invites members, partners and sustainability enthusiasts to join the celebration. Visit nhbsr.org/celebrate.
Salem will host a series of Girl Scouts informational events for girls in grades K through 3 and their caregivers. According to a press release, the events will be held at North Salem Elementary School on Thursday, Feb. 15; at Dr. Lewis F. Soule Elementary School on Wednesday, Feb. 21, and at Barron School on Thursday, Feb. 22, each from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. The gatherings will introduce participants to Girl Scouts programs and are open to all interested parties, with walk-ins encouraged. Visit girlscoutsgwm.org.