The Richland County Executive & Finance Committee voted Dec. 23 to send a resolution to the full county board petitioning the secretary of transportation for airport improvement aid to rehabilitate the county terminal building.

Committee members heard from Mark, who described the terminal as “quite old,” built in the 1970s and damaged in three floods, with an aging heating and cooling system and restrooms that are not handicap‑compliant. He said the work would be split into two phases: a design phase in 2025 and construction in 2026. The design phase is estimated at about $150,000, with the presenter listing a federal grant of $135,000, state funds of $7,500 and a local contribution of $7,500 (Sauk $4,500; Richland $3,000), which the presenter described as already budgeted for 2025.

The presenter framed the project as cost‑effective compared with replacing the facility, noting prior ditching and runway work reduced flooding risk and highlighting recent private investment at the airport, including a large hangar reportedly valued at roughly $6 million. Committee members asked clarifying questions about the budget and timeline; the presenter said architect selection must proceed quickly to meet scheduling needs.

After discussion, the committee voted to forward the resolution to the full county board for consideration at a special meeting. The chair asked for a motion; the speaker identified in the record as “Mister Frank” and a second by “Mister Manning” preceded a voice vote in which those present said “aye.”

Next steps: the full county board will receive the resolution for consideration and potential formal authorization of the county match and grant application.