KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) Members of the Keene City Council’s Finance, Organization and Personnel Committee spent several hours Thursday reviewing major infrastructure needs across the city as part of the proposed Capital Improvement Program for fiscal years 2027 through 2033.
The plan outlines the Capital Improvement Program for 2027-2031, more than $66 million in long-term infrastructure investments across city departments and enterprise funds, including airport operations, public works, parking facilities, solid waste operations, water and sewer systems, and municipal equipment.
City staff emphasized that much of the proposed spending focuses on preventative maintenance and regulatory compliance, aimed at extending the life of existing infrastructure and avoiding more costly repairs in the future.
Airport Projects Focus on Safety
Airport officials outlined several capital projects planned in the coming years, including:
  • Construction of a wildlife perimeter fence to reduce wildlife incursions on the airfield
  • Replacement of aging snow removal equipment
  • Pavement maintenance and runway markings to maintain federal compliance
  • Continued obstruction management, including working with neighboring property owners to address trees or structures that penetrate protected airspace.
Most airport projects are expected to rely heavily on federal and state funding, with the city providing a smaller local share.
Road and Infrastructure Concerns
Public Works officials noted that severe winter conditions have taken a significant toll on local roads, leading to increased maintenance needs.
The city is considering shifting some road rehabilitation funding in the capital plan and increasing annual allocations in future years to keep up with deteriorating pavement conditions.
Officials also highlighted the city’s expanded sidewalk program, which recently completed about three miles of new concrete sidewalks.
Parking Fund Facing Financial Pressure
City officials warned that the parking fund — which operates independently of property taxes — may require adjustments in the future.
Parking Operations Manager Chelsea North said projections show the fund could face long-term financial pressure as maintenance needs grow.
As a result, parking meter rate increases may be considered later this year after reviewing rates in comparable communities.
A previously proposed west-side downtown parking garage has been removed from the capital plan after a feasibility study found current demand does not justify the project.
Solid Waste Facility Upgrades Planned
The city’s transfer station and recycling center will see several improvements under the capital plan.
Among the proposals is installation of a fire suppression system connected to an existing 30,000-gallon cistern, designed to protect staff and recently installed recycling equipment.
The solid waste fund currently holds about $2.5 million in reserves, built through operations that process roughly 30,000 tons of municipal waste and 6,000 tons of recyclables annually.
Wastewater System Preparing for New Regulations
Officials also discussed the upcoming renewal of the city’s federal wastewater discharge permit, which allows treated wastewater to be released into the Ashuelot River.
The permit expires in late 2026 or early 2027 and could include stricter discharge limits for nutrients and other pollutants.
To prepare, the city plans to request $75,000 in consulting support to help navigate the permit renewal process and evaluate potential treatment upgrades.
Several wastewater infrastructure projects are also planned, including pump station upgrades, equipment replacements, and improvements to the city’s sewer system.
Water System Improvements Planned
The capital plan also includes numerous drinking water projects, such as:
  • Rehabilitation of the Chapman Road water storage tank
  • Upgrades to several pump stations
  • Generator replacements at key facilities
  • Ongoing water main replacement throughout the city.
City officials said many of the water and sewer projects are funded through user fees rather than property taxes.
Next Steps
Thursday’s meeting was part of the council’s ongoing review of the multi-year capital plan.
Additional sections of the Capital Improvement Program will be reviewed in upcoming meetings before the plan is finalized as part of the city’s annual budgeting process.
Other business transacted during the meeting:
Skate Park Funding Reallocated
The committee unanimously recommended reallocating $75,000 from the Patricia Russell Park construction account to support improvements at the city’s skate park.
The funding shift is required to meet a Land and Water Conservation Fund grant match and will help pay for a new parking lot and pathway connecting the skate park area to Russell Park.
The recommendation now moves to the full city council for final approval.
State Grant Approved for Water Security
Committee members also recommended that the city accept a $39,500 Local Source Water Protection grant from the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services.
The grant will fund security improvements at two drinking water facilities:
  • Installation of high-security fencing around the West Street well facility
  • Additional security fencing at the Babbage Reservoir
Officials said the improvements will strengthen protection of the city’s public water supply.