Airport manager outlines development plan, ground‑lease policy and grant bids for south 20 acres

Lincoln County’s airport manager, David Marish, presented Feb. 10 on airport operations, ground leases, hangar inventory and a multi‑stage development plan for a south 20‑acre parcel.

Marish said the county’s ground lease rate is currently 40¢ per square foot with a 1¢ increase every two years through the 25‑year lease term, which he noted would eventually reach about 52¢. He described the airport as a public infrastructure asset supporting flight training, maintenance businesses and medical transports and said hangar development and ground‑lease revenues provide predictable income for the county.

On development, Marish outlined a two‑stage plan: stage 1 would provide taxiway and infrastructure for the south 20 acres, which he estimated at about $1,000,000 of total project cost and roughly $24,000 to the county after grants; stage 2 would involve hangar construction driven by private developers. Marish also said the county applied for a terminal grant: a $780,000 terminal project with a county share of about 2.5 percent, roughly $19,500.

Commissioners and staff discussed grant prospects, FAA approach requirements for IFR operations, and the need to remove or reposition some existing T‑hangars to accommodate approach changes. One commissioner raised concerns that Sioux Falls Regional Airport had opposed the county’s application for expanded airspace; Marish said local advocacy and advisory‑board planning would be next steps.

Marish asked the commission to consider community engagement for PR events (Cars and Coffee, pancake breakfasts) to raise awareness of airport assets and potential revenue opportunities. No formal action was taken during the presentation; staff indicated follow‑up on grants and advisory‑board formation would be next steps.