"Making the case for an Airport Authority Board"

Thursday, October 13, 2005

Making the case for an Airport Authority Board
By Delane Cleveland
KOTA-TV Ch 3 (ABC), Rapid City (SD)


The idea is to run the Rapid City Regional Airport more like a business
instead of part of the city government, and supporters will soon get the
chance to state their case for the change.

According to airport board members, the airport would be able to establish
it's own budget without city council approval, and the change would save up
to $100,000 every year.

Alderman Bill Okrepkie agrees with the plan, provided the council maintains
control over taxation, zoning, and use of eminent domain.

"We've been elected to represent our communities and our citizens," Okrepkie
said. "We want to hold those basic ideas and thoughts, so if we can
eliminate that, if we can hold back those three or four issues, then I think
we'll be just fine."

The airport board will speak before the city council on November 16, and the
city will hold a public hearing on November 21.


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http://www.californiaaviation.org/dcfp/dcboard.php


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