A long legal dispute over construction of an airport between Oskaloosa and Pella could be ending soon.

“The Supreme Court has agreed to hear this case January 20, 2022 at 9:00 in the morning.”

That’s Mahaska County Board Chairman Mark Groenendyk.  For years, Mahaska County has been at odds with the South Central Regional Airport Agency over a proposed regional airport near Highway 163. The cities of Oskaloosa and Pella granted the Agency the power to use eminent domain to acquire privately owned land that would be needed for the airport.  The issue is the 28E agreement signed in 2012 by Oskaloosa, Pella and Mahaska County to build the airport.  Mahaska County no longer wants to be part of the 28E agreement.  Groenendyk says he looks forward to the Iowa Supreme Court’s decision.

“I am looking forward to hearing from the Supreme Court justices whether the people still have a say in their local government.  Or if the local elected officials can make decisions and bind the people of our decisions against their will forever and ever.  Or if the little people still have a say in their local government.”

Once again, the Iowa Supreme Court will hear oral arguments on the proposed Oskaloosa regional airport January 20.