The Marathon County Extension Education and Economic Development Committee voted to encourage and support the creation of a Central Wisconsin air service development fund and asked that $150,000 be placed in the county's 2026 budget as seed money.

The proposal, presented by Brian Griefy, asked the county to join a regional effort to create a minimum revenue guarantee (MRG) program that would help attract or stabilize air service at Central Wisconsin Airport. Griefy described the MRG as “a temporary financial safety net” to cover revenue shortfalls against a target amount during a route startup period, generally limited to 12 to 24 months. He said the fund would not be a direct subsidy to airlines but would cover shortfalls if passenger-related revenue and fees did not meet agreed targets.

Why it matters: Committee members and airport officials said renewed nonstop service or additional seasonal flights could support regional businesses, expand workforce mobility and attract visitors. Griefy cited return-on-investment examples drawn from airport research: a $500,000 investment could support one seasonal route and an estimated $3 million in annual regional economic impact; $1.5 million could support multiple or daily routes with larger impact. He asked the county to provide $150,000 as seed funding while additional contributions would be sought from Portage County, foundations, businesses and federal or state programs.

Discussion and concerns: Committee members questioned how the fund would be managed, who would receive payments and what guarantees exist that an airline would remain after any guarantee period. Griefy said an outside nonprofit would manage the fund, disbursements would occur only if agreed revenue targets were missed, and the airport and community would set clear performance metrics and transparent monthly reporting. Chris Dickinson, chair of the Joint Airport Board, said Avelo’s earlier service had shown strong local load factors and community support but that the carrier’s broader corporate decision to exit the region explained its departure.

Some supervisors raised reservations about priorities and equity. Supervisor Rosenberg asked whether seasonal leisure routes produce net benefits or merely export travel spending; he noted the risk that a carrier could leave after a short period. Another supervisor urged attention to alternatives such as microtransit that benefit more residents. Supporters said legacy carriers and low-cost airlines both would be eligible and that the fund would be targeted to pitch routes with market data showing local demand.

Vote and next steps: Vice Chair Pfeiffer moved the committee resolution “to encourage and support the development of a Central Wisconsin air service development fund and include $150,000 in the 2026 budget.” Supervisor Unger seconded. The motion passed; the record shows two committee members opposed and the motion otherwise carried. The committee asked administration to include the request in the 2026 budget process and for further coordination with Portage County and regional partners.

The airport board and staff will continue outreach to airlines and potential fund partners and return with details on governance, performance metrics and a fundraising plan.