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PDA rep outlines port changes, proposes reclaiming barge dock land; Air Guard security noted
Summary
Susan Parker, Greenland/Newington PDA representative, updated the Board on port leadership changes, a proposal to reclaim about 200 feet of barge-dock land lost during Sarah Long Bridge construction, and security concerns around nearby Air National Guard fuel storage; a public Rye Harbor discussion was scheduled for March 17, 2026.
Susan Parker, the Greenland/Newington PDA representative, briefed the Board of Selectmen on recent port authority developments and local marine facilities.
Parker said the PDA has faced scheduling delays for a planned field trip to view a salt ship because of storms at sea. She also noted that Richard Hartley has been introduced as the new Director of Ports and Harbors, a leadership change the PDA expects will influence future operations.
On infrastructure, Parker described a proposal to reclaim roughly 200 feet of barge-dock land that was lost during construction of the Sarah Long Bridge. She said the reclaimed land is currently underused and could support increased commercial activity and generate state revenue if reclaimed. Parker also told the Board the PDA learned about that reclamation proposal only after it had been pending with the Department of Transportation for a year and recommended improved interagency communication to avoid similar lapses.
Parker said there have been no new development proposals for Rye Harbor; the PDA scheduled a public discussion of that marine facility for its March 17, 2026 meeting.
Separately, Parker updated the Board on military-related facilities near town. The minutes describe large Jet A fuel storage tanks near Arboretum Drive (recorded in the minutes as “million-gallon” tanks); Parker said K-46 refueling tanker operations and evolving security protocols are being discussed. She reported that the Air National Guard is considering leasing adjacent land to increase security and limit public access to sensitive areas. The minutes also note the paved parking lot near the tanks is on historically contaminated land and that access restrictions are being considered.
The PDA updates were presented for the Board’s information; no formal action on the PDA items was taken at the meeting.
