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AVIATION COMMISSION VOTES TO RE-BID AIRPORT FARM LAND

By Erin France/OF THE COMMERCIAL
Saturday, November 21, 2009 12:15 AM CST

The Pine Bluff Aviation Commission voted to re-bid the airport’s farmland for lease Thursday.

“Hopefully, the local farms around will show some interest,” said airport manager Doug Hale.

He said the airport usually has a one-year lease with an option to renew the second year.

The farmer leasing the land decided not to renew, he said.

Hale said the 530 acres were leased at $38,000 a year — a source of revenue approved by the commission in the proposed 2010 budget.

“We don’t have a minimum established for it,” Hale said.

“However, it needs to be fair market value.”

He said he planned to do his own research on what fair market value for the land is and report back to the commission once he receives lease offers.

Commission chairman Michael McCray said he’s not yet concerned about the item’s impact on the budget.

“I think it’s too soon to worry,” he said.

McCray added that he wished the airport had received earlier notice.

In other business, Hale said phase one of the airport terminal’s rehabilitation is slated to start next week.

“The public will see a significant improvement in the building,” he said.

Also, the commission approved a holiday closing, Hale said.

“Our office will be closed on Thanksgiving Day so that the staff can spend quality time with their families.”

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