The Executive Council approved $20 million for the Youth Development Center abuse settlement fund Wednesday, far less than the $55 million requested by fund administrator Gerard Boyle. Boyle, a retired judge, said he has cut staff and contracts to reduce administrative costs and plans to request $35 million more this fall. Gov. Kelly Ayotte said she supports the additional request.
Ayotte also confirmed she will not exercise the state's option to buy the 145,400-acre Connecticut Lakes Headwaters tract in Coos County for $67 million, allowing the private sale to proceed.
In Berlin, the council approved a $500,000 federal Community Development Block Grant for HVAC repairs at the Notre Dame senior housing facility at 411 School Street. The water-damaged system needs replacement.
The council also approved a $1.3 million amendment to a staffing contract for the Sununu Youth Services Center, bringing it to $6.5 million, after an Attorney General's report found serious staffing shortages. Ayotte said she supports exploring body cameras for youth-facing staff.
Separately, Attorney General John Formella said the state will go to court Friday to remove jersey barriers blocking a one-mile section of the Northern Rail Trail in Andover, placed by an abutter. The filing asks the court to restore public access.
Originally reported by InDepthNH.org.
Photo: the happiest face =) via Pexels. Photo is illustrative and not from the scene.
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