The Guthrie County Regional Airport Authority Board recently took another step in their runway reconstruction project.

At their regular meeting Wednesday, the Board held a public hearing on the issuance of revenue bonds not exceeding $4.23 million. No comments were made and the Board approved a resolution instituting proceedings to seek a local bank to issue those bonds for their $3.8 million project, which is funded by the Federal Aviation Administration for 90% and by the Airport entities of Guthrie Center, Panora, and the County for the other 10%. The Board also held a preconstruction meeting with staff from McClure Engineering, Godbersen-Smith Construction Company of Ida Grove, and subcontractors. The project is planned to begin in early April of 2020, with an 80 working day timeline.

In other business, the Board discussed purchasing a larger fuel tank, as their current 1,200 gallon tank had gone through 1,000 gallons of fuel since their October meeting. Chairman Marshall Burgess also mentioned wanting to purchase a pickup truck with a blade for snow removal, and training someone new to plow the runway since Allen Darrow resigned from the Board. No action was taken, but the Board approved hiring Feldmann & Company, CPAs, P.C. of Carroll to do an annual audit report for $3,425, as the Board was previously not compliant with state code. The Board also welcomed their new member at-large Leora Laughery, who was approved by the Board of Supervisors this week, as well as Vicki Gubser, who was absent.