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(KNSI) – A new chapter in the history of the St. Cloud airport is taking shape in the New Year. The Federal Aviation Administration approved a new governance structure to form the St. Cloud Regional Airport Authority on Friday morning. The new governing model will begin with having a strategic plan put together. St. Cloud Regional Airport Authority Board Chair Brian Myres says there are many opportunities to grow the airport.

“There’s just a lot of great exciting opportunities to look at in terms of increasing both commercial jet traffic at the St. Cloud airport, general aviation, and also more leisure destinations. And so we’re really excited about the opportunity of thinking about all of those possibilities.”

Allegiant is flying to Punta Gordo, Florida, and Mesa, Arizona. Airport Director Bill Towle says the airport is more than a St. Cloud asset.

“And it’s really not just for the city of St. Cloud, it’s going to be for the Tri-County area. We’re really expanding that footprint, making sure that it’s going to be owned and operated by a much wider area.”

A 2019 study by the Minnesota Department of Transportation found the St. Cloud Regional Airport contributes $49.2 million to the state and local economy. The study found the airport supports 395 on-site and off-site jobs.

St. Cloud Mayor Dave Kleis says the new governing model will help improve the airport.

“We have an airport that has had a tremendous amount of success over the years. In general aviation, our numbers are up, our flights are up. And this finally, is something that I believe will take a great airport and make it greater and give a lot more economic development opportunities.”

The airport authority was formed through a joint resolution with St. Cloud, Stearns County, Sherburne County, and Benton County. St. Cloud will continue to support the airport for another ten years and contribute about $200,000 a year until 2038 from its local option sales tax. The St. Cloud Regional Airport Authority includes two members appointed from each county, two from St. Cloud and one at large appointee.

The governing board includes Chair Brian Myres (Sherburne County), Vice-Chair Ryan Daniel (St. Cloud), Secretary John Quade (Benton County), Treasurer Marshall Grams (Stearns County), King Banaian (St. Cloud), Jami Bestgen (Sherburne County), Kurt Hunstiger (Benton County), Angela Olson (At Large) and David Weeres (Stearns County).

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