Oberlin lands airport grant

OBERLIN, Kan. -- Oberlin has received an $80,000 grant to help buy land for an airport development project.

The Oberlin Herald reports that the money, from the Airport Improvement Program of the Federal Aviation Administration, is earmarked for a longer runway.

A 7,000-foot runway will accommodate business jets. Connie Grafel, marketing director for Oberlin's Economic Development Corp., said, "A 7,000-foot runway will greatly benefit business and tourism and expand opportunities throughout Northwest Kansas."

Oberlin City Administrator Gary Shike said the money would be used to purchase land for airport expansion.

Decatur County commissioners asked County Attorney Steven Hirsch to research what kind of bonds they can issue to help with the city's runway extension project.

Greg Lohoefener, president of the EDC, told commissioners that the group hopes the FAA will pay for a runway up to 5,200-5,500 feet and the Kansas Department of Transportation will pay for the remaining distance up to 7,000 feet. Local matching funds -- estimated at between $400,000 and $600,000 -- will still be needed, Lohoefener said.