Milford, IA (KICD) — The non-profit Spirit of Okoboji  has made an official offer to purchase the ground where the Milford Airport sits. Attorney Barry Sackett chairs the Okoboji Airport Foundation and tells KICD News the offer is for one million dollars.  Milford City Attorney Dave Stein is currently reviewing the offer, with the city council expected to review it at their next regular meeting on July 25h.

     The council voted last night to fund a twelve thousand dollar usage study to examine the necessity of the airport itself.  Mayor Steve Anderson says phase two is optional, and would cost thirteen thousand dollars.  That’s the portion of the study that would consider moving the facility, alternate locations, and the potential of a joint facility operated with other cities in Dickinson County.  Anderson said other communities might be ask to help fund phase two.  Councilman Shane Hoffman was the lone “no” vote Monday saying he thinks the entire study should be a county-wide effort from the start.

     Some possible updates to a new airport might be additional rental hangars, industrial buildings to accommodate business operations, and a longer runway.  Mayor Anderson says several visitors to the Great Lakes now have to land in Spencer or Jackson because the airports in Dickinson County are too small.  Councilman Andy Yungbluth works in law enforcement, and says both Mercy One and Avera Hospitals are unable to land their planes in Dickinson County which loses valuable time in getting patients proper healthcare.