The purpose of this petition is to make our voices heard to New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu and Canaan Town Administrator Mike Samson in an organized and concise manner in regards to the recent flash flooding in Grafton county. While several roads and buildings were temporarily closed as a result of this storm, none were affected as severely as the local speedway, now known as Canaan Motor Club, which is now at risk of closing its gates and going out of business. We are requesting for more comprehensive and effective repairs to be made as well as scheduled preventative maintenance related to the local rivers in an attempt to avoid a consistent environmental issue that economically affects the surrounding areas.

The town of Canaan has an acknowledged history of floods and more effort should be made to ensure the safety of its residents in addition to the well-being of the town’s infrastructure. This also includes the hundreds of patrons that regularly traveled throughout the Northeast for the unique venue and experience provided by Canaan Motor Club. Not only does CMC offer a welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere for all interested in driving on a race track and learning about car control, but the attendees are also significant customers of the other various local businesses that have grown to appreciate their visits.

A fundamental issue with the flooding in the area is the blockage that forms from downed trees in the Orange Brook under the bridge on Transfer Station Road as there is simply not enough clearance under the overpass for torrential downpours. CMC Track Manager, David delGenio, described the collisions from the falling trees as sounding similar to a freight train coming from upstream. Altogether this caused six inches of rain to form over two feet of water onto the road course and total close to one million dollars in damage to the property. This is now the third and largest flood to occur since the raceway opened under new ownership. In the end, more needs to be done to keep this local attraction operating for the town and surrounding areas to benefit.

Please consider signing this petition to help keep the gates open at Canaan Motor Club. You can also call, email or even write to the elected officials and share your opinion.

Contact Governor Sununu:

Office of the Governor
State House
107 North Main Street
Concord, NH 03301
(603) 271-2121
https://new-hampshire.secure.force.com/support/GOV_Opinion

Contact Town Administrator Samson:

Town of Canaan
P.O. Box 38
1169 US Route 4
Canaan, NH 03741
(603) 523-4501 x105
townadmin@canaannh.org

For more information, see the following links:

www.canaanmotorclub.com

www.vnews.com/Grafton-County-towns-hit-by-flash-flooding-26949796

www.canaannh.org/departments/emergency_mgt/floods.html