A decision Tuesday by the Mower County Board of Commissioners is perhaps an indicator that relations between the city of Austin and the county board are quickly improving.

Friday, March 30, 2001

A decision Tuesday by the Mower County Board of Commissioners is perhaps an indicator that relations between the city of Austin and the county board are quickly improving. If the indications are correct, it’s a good sign for both Austin and Mower County.

It’s no secret that a proposed multipurpose arena at the Mower County Fairgrounds and the use of Tax Increment Financing dollars had created a rift between the two governing bodies. Recent meetings involving the two entities often were tense.

The tone between the two bodies apparently changed Tuesday when Jon Erichson, Austin’s city engineer and director of public works, asked the county commissioners to endorse the city’s plans for the expansion of the Austin Municipal Airport. The commissioners approved endorsing the city’s project by a 5-0 vote.

The city was seeking endorsement of a plan that would call for the relocation of a portion of CSAH No. 3 from Highway 218 south to the current CSAH No. 45 and then continue east to connect with County No. 58.

By endorsing the project, the county commissioners paved the way for the city to apply for more grant monies for the project. None of the funding for the project will come from the county.

County Commissioner David Hillier clearly did his homework, as has Erichson, on the issue and was keenly aware of the potential impact on land owners as well as what the project means to the development of Austin.

The expansion of the Austin Municipal Airport will result in the extension of the runway from 4,800 to 6,500 feet, allowing more types of aircraft to use the facility.

Much like the construction of Interstate 90 through Austin many years ago, the airport expansion project could similarly provide another improved gateway to our community and with it economic development.

Tuesday’s action by the county board is an encouraging sign it recognizes the importance of the Austin-Mower County partnership. More cooperation on the part of both bodies can only lead to good things for Austin and Mower County.