By PAULA TRACY, InDepthNH.org
CONCORD – New Hampshire is losing its leader in transportation with the retirement of New Hampshire Department of Transportation Commissioner William J. Cass of Laconia after serving the department since 1986.
“After 40 years of public service, I am retiring with pride in the work we’ve accomplished and confidence in the department’s direction. NHDOT is well positioned to continue serving and connecting New Hampshire through transportation,” he said. The resignation is effective Feb. 27.
This surprise announcement comes just after the recent completion of a new 10-year highway plan, which is being considered now by Gov. Kelly Ayotte, a Republican.
Cass has also overseen the Exit 4A project off Interstate 93 in recent years which is expected to be completed in 2028.
Cass, his department and the five-member Executive Council which represent various regions of the state held numerous public hearings statewide this fall for the development of the 10-year plan https://www.dot.nh.gov/projects-plans-and-programs/ten-year-plan. It now goes to the governor who will make recommendations.
The draft plan calls for $4.7 billion from state resources over the next decade.
Cass has said that not all projects contemplated could be funded if there is to be no increased tolls. He was confirmed by New Hampshire Governor Christopher T. Sununu and the Executive Council on December 7, 2022 following the departure of former DOT Commissioner Victoria Sheehan.
Executive Councilor Joe Kenney, R-Wakefield, confirmed Tuesday that he was told by the governor’s office that Cass was retiring. He called him a “good New Hampshire guy” who worked up the ranks at DOT.
Kenney said Cass grew up in Rollinsford, went to the University of New Hampshire and got an engineering degree and then went to DOT early in his career.
The District 1 Executive Councilor said he has enjoyed many north country road tours with Cass over the years, including the years when Sheehan was commissioner and he was just under her in the department. Many of those trips showcased state work on infrastructure often damaged by water and wind.
Kenney noted that Cass recently worked with the five-member council as it also serves as the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Intermodal Transportation. That same body recommends a 10 year highway plan to the governor.
While noting the 10-year recommendations for this round are “restrictive,” Kenney said that is because of the revenue picture and the governor’s position to not increase tolls as she has previously stated she opposes.
Executive Councilor Karen Liot Hill, D-Lebanon, said “It has been my great pleasure to work with Commissioner Bill Cass over the past two decades as a City Councilor and former Mayor of Lebanon, and as Executive Councilor for the past year. I have appreciated his willingness to always listen and to look for solutions. He is patient and diplomatic, and I have learned so much from him. There is no doubt that New Hampshire is better off thanks to his leadership. I am thankful that he chose to dedicate 40 years to serving our state and will miss him greatly.”
According to the state’s website, Cass joined the NHDOT in 1986. Prior to serving as Assistant NHDOT Commissioner he held a number of supervisory and management positions at the Department including, Final Design Supervisor, Preliminary Design Section Head, Chief Project Manager, Assistant Director of Project Development, and Director of Project Development.
“Bill was one of the Project Managers for the largest project the NHDOT has ever undertaken – the 20 mile, 800 million-dollar reconstruction and widening of Interstate I-93 from Salem to Manchester and was involved with the project throughout its development and construction. He is also actively involved on committees for the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), and the Northeast Association of State Transportation Officials (NASTO),” it reads.
Cass holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University of New Hampshire, and lives with his wife Colleen, in Laconia.
The council is expected to vote Wednesday on a $15 million deal which will complete its purchase of Granite Place off Rumford Street from developer and former Republican party operative Steve Duprey and approve a $15 million loan to protect a wastewater treatment plant in North Conway from Saco River erosion along with projects to help farmers with equipment needs and clean water for children in a number of school districts, primarily in the North Country.