JOPLIN, MO.--- Walking
through the Joplin Regional Airports old main terminal, is like taking a
step back in time. The nostalgia that should come with a building that
dates back to the 1960's is lost behind all the damage.
"Heating
and air conditioning units were really old, most of them didn't work,
the roof leaked, there was a lot of electrical and lighting issues on
the inside," states Steve Stockam, Joplin Regional Airport Manager.
Now,
after years of working with city leaders to find funding for these
extensive repairs, the airport has finally moved forward with plans to
update the space.
"We are trying to market the building and have
the space available to businesses or entities to be able to lease it,
but because of the condition of the building, it just wasn't conducive
to being able to lease the space," states Stockam.
Using the
space to generate revenue is something Stockam feels is part of his duty
to make sure taxpayer dollars are being used effectively.
"When
you have a facility that's sitting around and its not making you any
money or that you aren't doing anything with, it's a requirement that
you do something or try to do something with that facility that eases
the burden on your budget," states Stockam.
Once the renovations
are complete, city leaders hope to rent the roughly 11,000 square foot
space, generating thousands of dollars per month for the airport.
"Well
the airport has been wanting this for a little bit of time now and for
them to finally have it in the budget to get it done, I think this is a
big boost for not only the Joplin area but definitely the Airport, that
can just add to their whole portfolio that can add to what they can
offer, which in turn offers Joplin a good thing," states Melodee Colbert
Kean, Mayor of Joplin.
http://fourstateshomepage.com
http://www.airnav.com/airport/KJLN
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