In a letter drafted to the City of Pella, Pella Corporation expressed its intention to no longer support the South Central Regional Airport proposal in Mahaska County.

The correspondence written by Pella Corporation Executive Vice President John Bollman cited the June 2022 Supreme Court Decision, potential challenges in annexing land owned by those who won’t consent, the likeihood of prolonged litigation, and changes to the fleet owned by the company.

“While we understand and appreciate the efforts to create a new regional airport capable of meeting the needs of businesses in the area, the circumstances simply do not support continuing in that direction,” Bollman wrote.

Pella Corporation instead intends to invest in renovation of their current hangar at the Pella Municipal Airport, and the company appreciated the city’s recent efforts to enhance those facilities.

Statement from Nicolle Picray with Pella Corporation:

“I think it’s important for readers to know that the ability to quickly access air travel is critical to our business and it does not appear that the proposed South Central Regional Airport project will be progressing forward. Pella Corporation will continue to advocate for maintaining the Pella Municipal Airport and any investments that might be needed to support improvements to the facility.”

As of May 30th, Vermeer Corporation expressed a neutral position in regards to the airport.

“A local airport is important to our business activity, and whether that is in Pella or the regional airport, Vermeer supports a safe, effective airport facility,” Vermeer Director of Corporate Communications Liz Sporrer said in a statement.
Read the full letter here.