New Hampshire National Guard secures 50-year lease for Berlin Airport hangar

The Long Range Capital Planning and Utilization Committee of the New Hampshire Legislature convened on February 24, 2025, to discuss significant proposals regarding state leases and facilities. The meeting focused on two primary agenda items: a proposed ground lease for the Department of Military Affairs and Veterans Services and a lease agreement for the Department of Justice's medical examiner's office.

The first item addressed was a request from the Department of Administration Services to approve a ground lease for approximately 5.66 acres of land at the Berlin Regional Airport in Milan, New Hampshire. Jared Nyland, the real property asset manager, presented the proposal, which aims to establish an Army Aviation Support building primarily for the New Hampshire Army National Guard. The facility will facilitate training operations, particularly in the White Mountain National Forest, and support search and rescue missions. The lease is proposed at a nominal rate of $1 per year for a term of 50 years, following a revision from an initially proposed 55 years due to Federal Aviation Administration regulations. The committee unanimously approved the motion to proceed with the lease.

The second agenda item involved a request from the Department of Justice for a 30-year lease with Concord Hospital for a new facility to house the chief medical examiner's office, morgue, and autopsy suite. Sean Gill, chief of staff at the Department of Justice, explained that the current lease arrangement is set to expire, and the existing facilities are inadequate for the increasing number of autopsies conducted annually. The proposed lease at 279 Pleasant Street in Concord is estimated to cost $37,259,882 over its term and is necessary to ensure the state can effectively manage death investigations and autopsy services. The committee also moved to approve this lease request.

In conclusion, the meeting highlighted the state's commitment to enhancing its facilities for military training and medical services, with both proposals receiving unanimous support from the committee members. The next steps will involve finalizing the lease agreements and ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements.