PDA takes over Skyhaven Airport

Following a two-year holding pattern, the Pease Development Authority reluctantly accepted the transfer of Skyhaven Airport — along with a projected $200,000 annual loss in revenue — at its board of directors meeting Thursday.

PORTSMOUTH — Following a two-year holding pattern, the Pease Development Authority reluctantly accepted the transfer of Skyhaven Airport — along with a projected $200,000 annual loss in revenue — at its board of directors meeting Thursday.

The vote was more of a formality because the PDA, a state agency, was handed the responsibility of managing the airport from the state Legislature. The idea was first proposed in 2007, but a number of technical issues had to be resolved before the transfer was made official.

While the PDA voted 4-1 (with one abstention) in favor of taking over airport operations, most members made it clear they did not feel it was the best move.

“I’m going to vote for it,” said board member Peggy Lamson, “but I’m mad.”

“This is an undertaking that we know is going to at least cost us a couple hundred thousand a year,” said board member Bob Allard. “I just can’t vote for it. I don’t know what that means. I know there would be a number of ramifications … I’m just going to vote ‘no’ and see what happens.”

“This isn’t the greatest deal in the world, no question,” said board member Anthony McManus, responding to Allard’s stance. “But as I understand it, we don’t have a choice.” Read more