Clarinda wants to build hangars

CLARINDA, Iowa — Every year, the Clarinda City Council approves a five-year plan for Schenk Field, the municipal airport.

Last week, the council approved a pair of projects that still need to be approved by the Federal Aviation Administration.

Probably the most important project on the list is the construction of more hangars.

“We’ve had a waiting list ever since I’ve been here, which has been five years,” Clarinda City Administrator Gary McClarnon said. “We never have enough space. There’s a great need. And the more planes we can bring in, the more traffic we’ll have and the better chance we’ll have for FAA funding.”

A 60-foot by 60-foot aircraft storage facility is estimated at $220,000. The FAA allows funding for hangars at revenue-producing facilities on a case-by-case basis.

Other projects include a partial taxiway at a cost of $750,000, with a later expansion costing $1 million. The FAA would cover 95 percent of the project cost.

“Last year, I thought our chances would’ve been pretty good, but with the economy, I’m not sure,” McClarnon said.

McClarnon said it could be six months before Clarinda receives an answer from the FAA.

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