Expansion plans for the Flandreau Municipal Airport (4P3), a General Aviation (GA) airport located just a few miles south of the city, will be discussed at the next regular meeting of the Flandreau City Council. An environmental assessment necessary to begin the conversation was submitted years ago. The report just was just issued back to city officials this past week. It comes as major repair work is needed on the runway and other conversations are happening about what might not only be necessary to keep the airport in operation, but essential to see its use and economic impact grow.
Posted
Carleen Wild
It’s been a few years that the Flandreau Municipal Airport has hosted its annual Fly-In event but this year, the Airport Board and City officials are excited to announce its return.
July 9th is the date the gates will open to the public so that area youth and the community at-large might get a chance to learn more about the local runway and the airport itself. It’s also a chance to engage local youth, said City Council President and Airport Board member Brad Bjerke.
“One plus of a fly-in is to involve and show youth and our community all that aviation has to offer,” he said.
While final confirmations are happening yet as to what aircraft and pilots might take part that day, at least one confirmation Bjerke is excited to share — a Grumman T-6 Texan will be in the mix.
Rain or shine, the Flandreau (4P3) Fly-in will run from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m on Sunday, July 9th. The Boys & Girls Club of Moody County will serve breakfast as a fundraiser for the Club.
The return of the Fly-In comes as expansion plans for the airport are being considered. City Administrator Cohl Turnquist announced at this last regular meeting of the Flandreau City Council that the Federal Aviation Administration has approved an environmental assessment submitted years ago that would allow for the expansion project. This project is not the same that we reported on earlier this spring — which is a grant the City applied for in March to both have repairs done to the airport’s disintegrating runway and for Aberdeen-based Helms & Associates to do the design work. This is an entirely bigger conversation and project between the City, the FAA and the South Dakota Department of Transportation, a funding partner for the proposed project, for the airport to grow in scope, size, and use. Should the project move forward, it would potentially involve; a runway reconstruction/shift, widening, and extension, GPS instrument approach development; and land acquisition.
Representatives from Helm’s and Associates will be at the City Council meeting on May 15th to discuss the project and the next steps.
Also heard at the most recent meeting of the Flandreau City Council:
A matching grant application from the Wellmark Foundation was approved. The City has been awarded $38,000 to construct a new play set in the Flandreau City Park. The grant was made possible by a $25,000 donation from the Flandreau Park Board, a $5,000 donation from the FDC, and a $8,000 contribution from the City, including in-kind work. Turnquist believes the new equipment will be installed some time yet this summer.
Residents can expect to see the Code Enforcement Officer in town more frequently.
The City will be working with First District Association on the Comprehensive Land Use Plan and First District will be analyzing the City’s existing zoning ordinances and zoning map.
Brad Bjerke was voted as Council President and Karen Tufty as Council Vice President. Other appointments are listed in City Minutes.
Mayor Sutton informed the Council that he will be asking the County Commission to consider assisting the Boys and Girls Club with a grant application.
Alderman Fargen inquired about the Landfill and Administrator Turnquist stated the
City Landfill will be open on Saturday May 6 th from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and dumping is free during the month of May for City Residents. The City is looking for a part-time employee to manage the Landfill, if interested, please contact the City Office.
