Long Range Capital Planning Committee approves multiple state land sales, leases and easements

CONCORD — The Long Range Capital Planning & Utilization Committee voted to approve a series of Department of Transportation and Department of Administrative Services requests on Nov. 12, including sales of mitigation parcels tied to the dissolved Conway Bypass, a bulk disposal of 22 improved parcels from the circumferential project, leases for private docks on Lake Winnipesaukee and several easements to support utilities and a wireless facility.

Eric Sargent, Right of Way Bureau administrator for the New Hampshire Department of Transportation, told the committee that LRCP25-044 would transfer four state-owned parcels in Conway totaling 445.6 acres to the town of Conway for $355,000. "The department is requesting to sell 4 parcels of state owned land in Conway consisting of 445.6 acres for a total of 355,000 to the town of Conway," Sargent said, adding the parcels are intended for conservation. He said a $1,100 administrative fee will be assessed and that, if Conway declines, DOT would list the parcels on the open market.

Committee members pressed DOT on valuation and restrictions. Representative Bogart questioned the per-acre price compared with local market values, noting it "seems to be a very lucrative price at $797 per acre." Sargent said the appraisal reflected conservation-easement restrictions and that the intent is to sell with a conservation easement "in perpetuity." Representative Faulkner asked whether federal funds or mitigation agreements limit the transaction; Sargent confirmed parcels acquired with federal funds could require Federal Highway approval and reimbursement.

The committee approved the Conway sale by voice vote. The meeting record shows similar approvals for…