News
Feb 15 2012
Report: Taylor County overreported airport usage
WSAU (Wisconsin)
The numbers of take-offs and landings at the Taylor County airport may have been greatly exaggerated in order to get federal grant money. A WSAW-TV investigative report says the airport claimed it handled more than 7,500 flights in 2007. The actual number was 820. Those inflated numbers were used to get more than $3-million to extend the airport's runway.
One of the landowners who was forced to sell his property for the project says he was treated unfairly. He even claims the county rented out his property before construction began. He was eventually reimbursed for the rent.
The airport still has about $400,000 left over, and is considering a new project -- expanded taxiways and a new terminal for corporate flights.
At the end of 2011 the entire airport committee was replaced. The county hired a special attorney to look into the matter. He said the change was not based on any illegal behavior, but has not discussed the matter further.