The Sioux Center City Council approved the sale of the former Sioux Center Airport to Sioux County, for the planned use as a future location for the Sioux County fairgrounds and other activities.
The Council agreed to sell the 78.56 acres to Sioux County for $1 million, to potentially be developed as the new fairgrounds and equestrian site. In addition, the Council pledged to purchase a number of buildings on the site for $250,000, the goal being to assist and contribute toward the project of developing the site for the Sioux County Youth Fair, Sioux County Saddle Club, and other entities.
“The City is excited about the opportunity to work with Sioux County to repurpose the old municipal airport for the future Sioux County Youth Fair and potentially the Sioux County Saddle Club,” Sioux Center City Manager Scott Wynja said. “The City Council sees great benefit of working and utilizing this property for another great public purpose and were happy to facilitate an arrangement that works for all parties involved.”
Members of the City Council and staff have been working with the Sioux County Board of Supervisors to help consider locations for the Sioux County Youth Fair and the Saddle Club. The former airport property is about 1 1/2 miles north of Sioux Center and about ½ mile west, on 360th Street. The sale agreement includes the buildings and home on the property as well as the land.
“I love that the property is going back to a public use,” said Mayor David Krahling.
The agreement approved by the City Council includes a stipulation that, if the land is sold again in the next 10 years over the value of $13,000 per acre, that the City and County would split proceeds above that rate.
The former airport site was discontinued for use as an airport when the Sioux County Regional Airport was opened, a joint project by Sioux Center, Orange City, and Sioux County.