NH Delegation Welcomes $7 Million in BIF Funds for Portsmouth International Airport to Support Infrastructure Updates
(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) -- negotiators of the bipartisan infrastructure law -- and Representatives Annie Kuster (NH-02) and Chris Pappas (NH-01) announced $7 million for Portsmouth International Airport at Pease to support a terminal arrivals area expansion project. The federal funds were made available through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) – the bipartisan infrastructure bill – that was signed into law in 2021.
The project includes expanding the public portion of the existing domestic bag claim arrivals hall, replacing the electric service and redesigning the entrance and exit. Specifically, the award was allocated through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)’s Airport Terminal Program, which uses bipartisan infrastructure law funding to address the aging infrastructure of the nation’s airports. The first $1 billion in granted program funds has supported over 90 airport projects across the United States.
“This latest award made possible by the bipartisan infrastructure law is a testament to the historic, expansive scope of the law that continues to benefit New Hampshire projects and communities. I’m thrilled that our Seacoast region is the latest area to benefit from the law through this award that will support modernization efforts at Portsmouth International Airport,” said Shaheen. “The upgrades being made today will ensure this airport can continue to serve Portsmouth and surrounding communities for years to come.”
“With this new funding for Portsmouth International Airport, the bipartisan infrastructure law that I helped develop and pass into law continues to deliver for New Hampshire communities,” said Hassan. “This funding will go towards the expansion of the arrivals terminal, so that operations can run more smoothly. Upgrading America’s infrastructure systems helps stimulate the regional economy, and I am glad to see infrastructure funding going to New Hampshire.”
“Robust and efficient aviation infrastructure is critical to the economic competitiveness of New Hampshire,” said Kuster. “These resources awarded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Package will help to upgrade the facility at Portsmouth International Airport and improve traveler experiences. I will continue working across the aisle to invest in the future of the Granite State.”
“New Hampshire’s airports are vital in supporting our local economy, small businesses, and tourism,” said Pappas. “This investment in the Portsmouth International Airport will update old infrastructure to improve efficiency and the travel experience within the airport. I’m pleased to see these federal funds coming to New Hampshire and will continue supporting efforts that boost our economy and drive tourism.”
“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is intended to modernize the nation’s outdated airport infrastructure. Portsmouth International Airport in Portsmouth, NH is well positioned with a shovel ready project that has been in the planning and design phase for several years. This grant allocation will allow us to immediately start work on improving the airport’s domestic arrivals hall. The project design includes additional arrivals hall space to meet the demands of our growing passenger activity, while improving airport security and addressing outdated utility infrastructure. We are extremely grateful to Senator Shaheen and the entire New Hampshire Congressional Delegation for understanding the needs of Portsmouth International Airport and recognizing that we are in a position to put this funding to work immediately. Ultimately, the community and our visitors will be welcomed to the New Hampshire seacoast in a modern, safe, and sustainable facility,” said Paul Brean, Executive Director of the Pease Development Authority.
Shaheen was a lead negotiator of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. This legislation provides a $550 billion investment in our nation’s core infrastructure priorities – including roads and bridges, rail, transit, ports, airports, the electric grid, water systems and broadband. In June 2021, Shaheen joined President Biden and a bipartisan group of senators to announce the framework of the package. As a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Shaheen historically works to include funding for programs that support New Hampshire’s airports. Hassan, also a member of the bipartisan group negotiating the infrastructure bill, helped secure provisions for transit and passenger rail funding. She also led negotiations for key provisions that address coastal resiliency, high-speed internet expansion and cybersecurity.
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