New Hampshire
New Hampshire lawmaker pushes for shipyard ownership change to NH
PORTSMOUTH (WGME) — New Hampshire Republican Rep. Joseph Barton is urging President Trump and Congress to transfer ownership of the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard and Seavey Island from Maine to New Hampshire.
Barton, a former shipyard worker, argues that since New Hampshire controls the Piscataqua River, it should also own all its islands, including Badger’s Island. “With respect to the border, we’ve always owned it. It’s never been in Maine. Never,” Barton said.
However, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 2001 that Seavey Island and the naval yard belong to Maine. Gov. Janet Mills stated, “the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard is in Maine. It will continue to be in Maine.”
Judy Spiller, chair of Kittery’s Town Council, supports the Supreme Court’s decision of Maine ownership.
The resolution has not yet been voted on in the New Hampshire Senate or signed by the governor.