Funds To Support Transition from Military Base To Civilian Airport

The past two months have been very good to Portsmouth International Airport in New Hampshire.

New Hampshire Governor John Lynch and the state's Executive Council approved a $150,000 aviation grant in August for improving its appeal to corporate aviation.

"We see a lot of potential for that," said Pease International Airport Manager Bill Hopper. "There is a need in the area, and we can service that need."

There are roughly 16 acres of land along the runway that's looking good for hangar development, Hopper said. Part of this grant money, made available through the Bureau of Aeronautics, will be for that purpose as part of the airport's 1995 master plan, according to the Portsmouth Herald.

"There are more and more of these aircraft, and we have a perfect location here with respect to (corporate planes coming and going to) Europe," Hopper said.

Then, US Senators Judd Gregg and John Sununu (R-NH) announced Friday PSM will receive $2.9 million in Federal Aviation Administration funding to help transition the airport from military to civilian use. The funding will allow the airport to make terminal security improvements, acquire snow removal equipment, and design and build a deicing/holding apron pad over a three year time period.

"With its close proximity to Boston and growing population, the Seacoast area is an active region of the Granite State. I am pleased the FAA has recognized the robust and expanding economy of the region and provided these funds to aid the continued successful transition of Pease," said Gregg.

Sununu concurred saying, "This funding represents a commitment on the part of the Federal Aviation Administration to the long-term safety of the Pease International Airport. Security improvements at the terminal, the purchase of new snow removal equipment, and a new apron pad for deicing and holding aircraft will enhance the value and mission of the facility for generations to come."

FMI: www.peasedev.org, www.faa.gov, www.nh.gov/governor