Article

The COGE report from former Governor Benson recommends sunsetting the Pease Development Authority (PDA), established over 30 years ago to assist with the closure of the Pease Air Force Base. Currently, 80% of the former base's 4,225 acres are leased under long-term contracts.

The PDA manages the transition of the base's lands, the airport, and New Hampshire's Division of Ports and Harbors. With limited land available for development, dissolving the PDA could allow local communities greater control over land management, potentially enhancing housing and economic growth.

Previous efforts to incorporate residential development faced barriers, including FAA policies. Consolidating the PDA's management with the State Department of Transportation could improve access to federal funding for transportation projects. The future of the PDA warrants consideration of contributions from the past while exploring opportunities for local governance.