Up, up and away: Skyhaven upgrades expected to aid area business prospects

Skyhaven has made great strides since its takeover by the PDA. (Courtesy photo)

ROCHESTER - Since purchasing Skyhaven Airport in 2008, Pease Development Authority has heavily focused its efforts on restoring its infrastructure, helping it to evolve into a vital resource for the region's businesses.

Last month, the Tri-City Mayors Coalition met to discuss ongoing development opportunities and initiatives at the airport, including a $7 million grant that will fund runway improvements and the relocation of the taxiway, along with other major improvements.

"Skyhaven is in the best physical shape it has ever been in and can accommodate a wide assortment of business aircraft, including small corporate jets," Pease Airport Operations Manager Andrew Pomeroy said. "By improving the airport, we're giving the tri-city area a national and even international reach and making it more accessible to businesses of all kinds."

Since PDA took over the airport, an estimated $5-6 million in federal and state funds have been invested for general infrastructure improvements, while an additional $1.5 million was earmarked for maintenance and safety upgrades.

"Skyhaven Airport is now a true asset for the businesses in the tri-city area," Pomeroy said. "Our hope is that newer businesses and those looking to come to the tri-city area capitalize on it as both a transportation hub for executives and as a shipping hub, too."

The Tri-City Mayors Coalition, which was formed in 2016, comprises leaders from Somersworth, Rochester and Dover. Its mission is to foster collaboration between the three cities in order to evaluate and explore joint policies and programs that would benefit members of each community.

In the past, the coalition has proposed more streamlined and collaborative administrative efforts for fire departments, explored solutions to combat the opioid crisis and considered implementing a consistent system for assessing property values.