(Milford)– Discussion on the possible sale of the Fuller Airport came before the Milford City Council Monday evening. As we reported previously, a group calling itself “Spirit of Okoboji” wants to make the acquisition. Barry Sackett, an attorney representing the organization, told the council they’ve put together a letter of intent for the possible purchase of the airport for $500,000…
“It’s really an invitation to discuss with the council and the city the future growth of Milford and the opportunities that might have. Particularly the growth in the athletic fields that currently make up the municipal park and the potential of developing an athletic facility which would be a tourism and economic draw to the area and the shoulder season. We commissioned a national organization that develops and manages these types of facilities to take a look at our area and feels that it’s a viable enterprise once we get something built.”
Sackett said if they’re successful, the “Spirit of Okoboji” group would continue to operate the facility as an airport and would decommission it in the future as their project develops. But one city councilman, Andy Yungbluth, said he’s concerned there could be a financial liability to the city if such a sale would go forward…
“I guess for the rest of the council one of the things we have to remember is if we do something with the airport now we owe the state $420,000 because we just had a grant completed and the runway, the concrete runway resurfaced.”
The council also heard from some in the crowd who currently use the airport…
“Very few airports every get closed because they’re important to the city. Me, I’ve been flying for nearly 50 years. The airport was part of what brought me to this town, beside the lake. I use the airport probably three or four times a week. I’m an aerial application business and I agree, I don’t use it for that purpose, I have in the past. But to shut down a perfectly good existing airport, there’s better things to do.”
Mayor Steve Anderson said he wants to see a comprehensive study done regarding air service in the area, similar to one completed in Sioux county, where a new regional airport was recently constructed.
Following some further discussion the council voted unanimously in favor of a motion referring the matter to the city’s Airport Commission. If the proposal clears that group, it would then go before the city’s Planning and Zoning Commission for a formal recommendation to the city council, which would hold a public hearing before taking any final action to sell the airport.
