Branson board considers reimbursements for local airports

The Branson Board of Aldermen yesterday held first readings on bills authorizing city funding for two local airports.

Designed to support economic growth in the area, the reimbursement funding would go toward Branson Airport and the M. Graham Clark Downtown Airport, according to the board’s Nov. 10 agenda.

Branson Airport
For the Branson Airport, staff recommended the board approve a motion to pay $23,558 via the city’s pay-for-performance agreement with the Hollister airfield. Under the terms of the agreement, the city pays $8.24 per passenger who disembarks at the airport.

The payment covers the six-month period ended June 30.

At the $8.24 rate, the airport would have brought in over 2,800 passengers to Branson during the first half of the year.

If approved during the board’s Nov. 24 meeting, the reimbursement money would come from the city’s tourism fund and unreserved fund balance.

Downtown Airport
City staff also recommends board members give the green light to a five-year reimbursement plan for the M. Graham Clark Downtown Airport, which is about 8.5 miles away from the Branson Airport.

If approved, the reimbursement would be the third paid by the city to the airport. The most recent five-year plan was approved in August 2010.

The new plan would give the airport funding not to exceed $10,000 per year and not to go over $50,000 through the extent of the deal.

The final reading is Nov. 24.