State lawmakers representing District 10 last week sent a letter to Gov. Mark Dayton encouraging him to support funding for the Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport in his future Capital Budget Recommendations. The project was not included in his initial recommendations.
Authors of the letter were Sen. Carrie Ruud, R-Breezy Point, Rep. John Ward, DFL-Baxter, and Rep. Joe Radinovich, DFL-Crosby.
“This regional project is necessary for the long-term stability and growth of the Brainerd Regional Airport,” Ruud said. “Bonding dollars are for projects with statewide and regional significance; this project clearly meets those standards.”
The $7 million project would construct a sanitary sewer and water connection from eastern Brainerd to the Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport along Highway 210. The project was included in last year’s initial House bonding bill, which was not enacted.
“The septic system at Brainerd Regional Airport is failing,” said Rep. Ward, vice chair of the House Capital Investment Committee. “Two of the four drainfield beds in the system are near capacity, and the two other beds, which were added in 2007, are already showing signs of strain. The good news is that the airport is growing, the bad news is that this growth and the projected growth of the airport will only continue to increase pressure on their septic system.”
“Without the funding to replace the failing septic system Brainerd Regional Airport risks losing out on expansion and future business opportunities,” added Rep. Radinovich. “We hope the Governor can acknowledge the need and merit of this project and include the funding in his future recommendations.”
http://brainerddispatch.com/news/2014-01-30/area-lawmakers-push-brainerd-airport-project