The South Central Regional Airport Agency held a public hearing Monday evening for a resolution to advance into the land acquisition phase.

A crowd that nearly filled the Pella City Council chambers listened to others speak about the impact the proposed Regional Airport would have on land owners. In total, ten individuals spoke during a designated public hearing, with nine in opposition and one in support.

Among the concerns raised included the use of eminent domain to purchase land from owners not willing to sell, where financing for the project will come from, taking away agricultural use for productive farmland, the impact on future generations of the current landowners, and increasing construction costs, among other topics.

After the hearing was closed, the SCRAA board voted unanimously to advance to the land acquisition phase. Hear the full public hearing on the audio player below:

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