Airport staff say Clayton Airport offered to take decommissioned jet; airport seeks plan for veterans memorial before transfer

Commissioners were briefed that Clayton Airport has expressed interest in taking a decommissioned jet currently at Iowa City Airport and would pay to move it. Staff said the airport would like to coordinate with veterans organizations and city architects on an alternative veterans memorial location before approving removal of the plane.

Staff said they had contacted local veterans groups but had not completed outreach; officials raised public relations concerns about removing a memorial without an agreed alternative. An airport staff member said state architects are preparing signage and location proposals to support a transition.

Why it matters: the jet is a veterans memorial and the airport wants to ensure veterans concerns and community sentiment are addressed before relocating the aircraft to another airport, even if another entity pays for the move.

Next steps: staff will continue outreach to veterans groups, coordinate with state architects on signage and location alternatives, and report back to the commission before finalizing any transfer agreement with Clayton Airport.