Airport Authority to Purchase Cabela's Hangar

The Sidney Airport Authority Board expects to close on purchasing of the former Cablea's hangar at the airport today. Bass Pro/Cabela's accepted an offer of $225,000 for the hangar.

The hangar is valued at close to $400,000, according to Sidney attorney J. Leef, who serves as legal counsel for the City of Sidney and the Airport Authority Board. Leef briefed the Sidney City Council on plans to purchase the hangar during the March 10 city council meeting.

During the city council meeting, vice-mayor Joe Arterburn questioned why the Airport Authority Board did not come before the council prior to purchasing the hangar. Arterburn was told the board has been working with recently-retired City Manager Ed Sadler and Leef on the specifics of the Cabela's hangar.

During the March 12 meeting of the airport authority, the board discussed touring the facility after the purchase. Discussion ranged from meeting with the Nebraska State Patrol and discussing use of the hangar as a new base for air patrol to marketing all or half to pilots. If only half is leased to a pilot, the second half could be used for overnight storage for pilots spending the night in Sidney. Board member Jim Price stressed finding the right lessee for the city, possibly working with the Economic Development office to find the right candidate.

“I think we need to entertain the right offers,” Price said.

The hangar has been in on and off talks for several months. The Airport Authority, meanwhile, has focused on purchasing the hangar to ensure a business or owner would come to the airport that compliments the city.

In other business, the board approved renewing an agreement with Premier Land Management. Premier Land Management will be paid on a per application basis.

In the L & L Aviation manager's report, George Lapaseotes updated the board on work being done at the airport. The board approved contracting for grinding and sealing the floor of the shop by England Construction at a price of $2,700.