SANDUSKY COUNTY, OH (WTOL) – Sandusky County Commissioners have just finalized a deal to purchase an airport, which will cost the county more than $1 million.
The county currently owns the Sandusky County Regional Airport in Clyde.
Commissioners say they did not have many options. A private business was running their airport, but they ended operations in December.
Commissioners say they did not want the airport to close, and that is why they agreed to buy the airport for $1.5 million.
The county already owned the land, but it will now own hangers, buildings, and the fuel farm.
Leaders say they could not close it, because they would owe the FAA more than $9 million on grants they received to build it back in the 90's.
Lifeflight was housed at the airport, but was forced to re-fuel in Toledo after the company running the airport quit operations.
Commissioners say the county won't make money from the deal, but keeping the airport is important to keep Lifeflight there, and for economic development.
"I don't see how it can be profitable. If you're looking at it from a strictly business point, probably won't do it. But we have it- the facility is there- so we have to do something with it. And it is part of our infrastructure; it's like fixing a bridge or repaving a highway. It's part of the county's infrastructure."
The county finalized the deal Tuesday afternoon.
