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Port City Air study projects up to $1.9 billion in regional economic activity over 10 years; PDA reviews $57.8M capital budget
Summary
An economic impact presentation from Port City Air and RKG Associates estimated $1.6B (baseline) to $1.9B (custom scenario) in cumulative economic activity over 10 years and 541–700 jobs, and PDA staff reviewed a $57.8M Division of Ports & Harbors capital budget that is largely grant‑funded.
Port City Air contracted RKG Associates to produce an economic‑impact study that the Pease Development Authority board reviewed at the meeting. Russ Archibald of RKG (S11) presented baseline and custom growth scenarios projecting the airport’s and supporting operations’ 10‑year cumulative economic activity.
The baseline scenario in the presentation was summarized at roughly $1.6 billion in cumulative economic activity over ten years, producing an estimated 541 jobs by year 10. A custom growth scenario presented by the consultant — based on a more optimistic 8.3% annual growth assumption in some business lines — projected cumulative activity near $1.9 billion and roughly 700 jobs over the same period. The study included separate projections for hospitality impacts (hotel nights and meals) and tax‑revenue effects; the presenter cited an approximate $730 million total in tax impacts over ten years allocated across local, county, state and federal collections in the model.
Board members and staff discussed the model’s assumptions and asked Port City Air to provide brief annual updates comparing actual performance to the study projections. The chair suggested a short memo each year tracking realized activity against the model to help the board and partners evaluate future requests and planning.
Separately, staff (S15/S8) presented a Division of Ports & Harbors proposed capital budget of about $57.8 million, noting roughly 98% of that plan is expected to be grant‑funded. The largest single element identified for the division was the functional replacement of the Market Street barge dock; other projects included dredging, warehouse removal, office replacement and rip‑rap repair.
Staff also announced intent to apply to the U.S. Maritime Administration’s Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) for an award in the $3–$5 million range to support dredging, equipment replacement, security camera upgrades and floating‑pier repairs at Market Street and surrounding harbors. Board members encouraged pursuing grant funding and requested that staff update the board on application progress and any match or implementation requirements.
