Local News

Several selectmen lean toward keeping airport non-FAA 

By BOB MARTIN 

Eagle Times Staff 

NEWPORT, N.H. — The Newport Board of Selectmen recently received a presentation from Parlin Field Airport Co-Manager Heath Marsden outlining the happenings at the airport and its potential future, in particular whether it should become an airport obligated through the Federal Aviation Administration. 

While there was no vote, some selectmen voiced that they did not feel the airport should be FAA obligated, and it will be on the next agenda as an action item. 

Marsden explained at their meeting last week that the airport received grant money last year that was to be put toward the creation of a master plan, which was funded entirely by the FAA. It was to look at where the airport stands or infrastructure and whether or not it should become an FAA obligated airport. 

“That means that we would accept FAA money, Federal Aviation Administration money, to make improvements at the airport, capital improvements,” Marsden said. 

Marsden said that a recommended layout was provided by the FAA at the end of a study, which included several changes that would be made to be up to standards if the town wanted to be an FAA obligated airport. Requirements include: reducing the runway length by 516 feet to provide FAA compliant safety areas; increase the runway width from 50 to 60 feet; remove aircraft turnarounds at runway ends; remove midfield taxiway; remove obstructions; and the turf runway currently there would not be supported. 

As far as the obstructions go, this would take multiple years and an easement acquisition process. After clearing trees and finally laying pavement, Marsden said this could be five years out.  

“So, becoming an FAA obligated airport, it is a large plot of money, 90 cents on the dollar,” he said. “However, you’re holding to FAA’s priorities at the time. Similar to the state grant, the priority starts at the runway and goes outward.” 

A non-federal option with a state grant like what has been done in the past included reducing the runway length by 242 feet, allowing them to raise the runway up and grade it to the river properly. It would also involve increasing the runway width from 50 to 60 feet; maintain turnarounds at runway ends; maintain midfield taxiway; remove obstructions and keep the turf runway as is. 

The FAA route would cost $9,450,000 with an estimated town match of $472,500, and phase one design would bring it to $14,400,000 with total match of $832,500. With state funds it would be $1,116,946 and a town match estimated to be $223,389. 

He added that if the town becomes an FAA obligated airport they would receive “entitlement funds” of $150,000 that carries over for five years, which would fund a portion. The remainder would need to go through discretionary money, which involves competing against all New England airports. 

Marsden also discussed goals for 2025 for the airport, which included creating two new aircraft storage hangars to increase airport revenue; complete environmental assessments for the runway project; and continue to partner with the community with various programs. 

Selectboard Chair James Burroughs said that after hearing from Marsden, it is his opinion that the airport should continue “non-FAA” due to costs and having local control. 

“I think the shear number of control and changes to the look and feel, and the operation of our airport, if we go the FAA route, it is too much for us to swallow,” Burroughs said. “I don’t think it is the look or intention that we want to have. The allure of the money on one side is enticing, however, when you look at the process of how to spend that money, driving up the cost exponentially, just doesn’t make financial sense either. It’s the cost combined with the look and the feel, and control, that makes it a no brainer for me.” 

Selectman Jeff North said on top of that, when some of the best employers who utilize it for use they find to do business in this town, if it is lost, the airport is purely a recreational airport.  

“I fully agree, I am not for the FAA personally,” said North. 

Selectman Dilger also agreed with North and Burroughs, saying, “I think it is good keeping it our town’s airport and not an FAA airport located next to Newport. I think sticking with the state funding and all that is the way to go.” 

Marsden added, “for what it’s worth, even the FAA was scratching their heads when they found out we were considering becoming an FAA operated airport.” 

Burroughs said in due diligence, it is good to explore all options and opportunities. He said until they look at it and explore how it would affect the community, it would have been a question left unanswered. He said it was good for the board to go through this evolution and discussion, saying despite some extra work, it was worthwhile effort to be able to highlight and pinpoint why the airport should stay as it is. 

Burroughs expects that this will be an action item at the next board meeting, taking place on Monday, Jan. 20 at 6:30 p.m.