FOUR FACTS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THE PROPOSED AIRPORT

Four Facts You Should Know About The Proposed Regional Airport

Editors Note: This article is paid for by Mahaska Community Development Group. The views and opinions expressed in this paid for article are not necessarily the views or opinions of Oskaloosa News. 

TAXES – A NEW AIRPORT WILL HELP HOLD DOWN LOCAL TAXES, NOT RAISE THEM.

There is nothing in the airport plan that will cause an increase in taxes. Elected officials at the city have been vocal about opposing any increase in tax rates.

Economic benefits that come from new manufacturing will increase the commercial property tax base, therefore reducing the pressure on residential property taxes to pay the cost of government.

• Property taxes are not responsible for the airport.
• The projected capital cost of the proposed airport is between $24-$30 million.
• The Federal Aviation Administration will cover 90% of the capital c ost, which leaves $5-6 million in air port and other landside costs for the cities of Oskaloosa and Pella to split.
• The sale of existing airport facilities and land will be used to pay the local share of costs not covered by the FAA.
• Ongoing costs will be covered by airport users and it will be more efficient to operate one airport than two.

A NEW AIRPORT WILL BE A SOURCE OF JOB GROWTH NOW AND IN THE FUTURE.

Studies find that airports have a direct relationship between economic growth and the financial success of a community. As we look to create jobs for our parents, families, children and grandchildren, a business-friendly airport will ensure future job growth from existing employers and those companies that are attracted by safe communities and a modern airport.

• Pella and Oskaloosa rank #1 and #2 in the state in the percent of their workforce employed in manufacturing.
• Without adequate infrastructure, local manufacturers lose a competitive edge and can become vulnerable in the national and international marketplace.
• Per the Iowa DOT, the annual economic impact of the new airport will result in $6.2 million of income growth for the Oskaloosa and Pella communities.

A NEW AIRPORT WILL WELCOME GUESTS TO OUR COMMUNITIES THROUGH A SAFE AND CONVENIENT AIRPORT

As potential customers and vendors from around the world visit our community, the airport will reduce the travel time and expense on their way to visit our local employers. Even more, local citizens who use the airport will have a safer experience with FAA approved runways and facilities.

• A new airport will immediately be the 10th busiest airport in Iowa, and rank 5th in based aircraft.
• The vast majority of travelers are customers, vendors and non-executive residents.
• Without adequate infrastructure, local manufacturers lose a competitive edge and can become vulnerable in the national and international marketplace.

LANDOWNERS WILL BE WELL-COMPENSATED FOR ANY LAND PURCHASED FOR THE AIRPORT.

Public transportation projects frequently raise the issue of eminent domain. The history of Mahaska County shows that it does not come to that; our local government will work with landowners to reach a mutually acceptable agreement, which is generous to landowners.

• There will actually be more land returned to recreational or agricultural use as the one airport will use almost 30% less land than the two current airports combined.
• The new airport will return 266 acres to the tax rolls.