(Spirit Lake)– The Spirit Lake city council Tuesday heard a request for funding from the Dickinson County Airport Authority.
Representatives requested the city contribute 30,242-dollars to cover a local match for a 201-thousand dollar grant they’re applying for through the state to resurface the runway at the airport.
Bruce Smith, a member of the authority, said they would be approaching other entities with the same request, including Okoboji and the county. But he said they need a commitment now, as they have already applied for the grant.
That brought up another issue–the future of the airport–which is located in a heavily populated area of Okoboji with a number of condominium and apartment complexes literally yards away from the runway. Dean Hess, another member of the authority, responded that a previous proposal by a private individual to build an airport without taxpayer money west of West Lake Okoboji met stiff opposition. Hess said he doesn’t foresee any more proposals for a new airport coming anytime soon, adding there is definitely a need for a new airport. But for now he says they must maintain the existing facility.
Councilman Jerry Harbst was concerned over the timing of the authority’s request for money, saying Spirit Lake has been asked too many times at the last minute to save the day for various causes when other entities hadn’t yet been approached.
Airport authority representatives were quick to point out though the city of Okoboji provides maintenance, mowing and snow removal at the airport.
After further discussion, the council voted four-to-one to provide the funding with the hope the 30,242-dollars could be spread out over two years. Harbst cast the lone no vote.
On another note, Hess reported the authority is negotiating with a private individual who wants to lease land at the airport to build a hangar.
