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Committee backs study of housing at Great Bay Community College; military housing, FAA issues flagged

Senate Executive Departments and Administration Committee · January 14, 2026

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Summary

SB490 would create a task force to study housing development on Great Bay Community College property, including options for student and military housing. Sponsors said the aim is to assess feasibility given FAA and Pease Development Authority constraints; the committee moved the bill with a committee amendment.

Senator David Waters told the Senate eDNA committee that SB490 would establish a short‑lived task force to study whether Great Bay Community College property could be used for housing that serves students and possibly military personnel stationed at Pease. Waters said the bill adds duties for the task force to review FAA and federal aviation constraints and to examine lease, ownership and funding options.

Adjunct General David Michalaitis, representing the Department of Military Affairs and Veteran Services, outlined the military nexus: many active‑duty and air‑guard personnel rotate through the base and face long commutes when housing is scarce locally. Pease Development Authority leaders and Great Bay/Community College representatives said they support studying options and noted revenue and FAA restrictions on airport property use.

Pease Development Authority testified that FAA rules constrain use of airport revenue — much revenue must remain on the property — and that some FAA waivers or federal changes could be necessary. Committee members accepted a committee amendment drafted from the senator's language and voted the bill 'ought to pass' as amended by voice vote.

Senators said the bill is intended to ensure that any future development follows federal aviation rules and that the task force would report back with recommendations and potential legislative language.