Dedication Ceremonies Held For New Sioux County Regional Airport

(Maurice) — Iowa’s newest airport, the Sioux County Regional Airport was dedicated today with a ribbon cutting ceremony along with several prominent leaders from government and businesses acknowledging the economic growth potential of the new airport. Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds spoke at this
morning’s ceremonies, and reiterated her belief that if you dream big and work hard, you can accomplish anything in Iowa. Reynolds praised Sioux County as a leader in many business aspects.

Reynolds then shared with the estimated crowd of 750 about the many ways Sioux County contributes to the state’s bottom financial line.

Boeing Company’s Chairman, President and CEO, and also Sioux County native Dennis Muilenburg served as the ceremony’s key-note address speaker.
Muilenburg says he flew over the farm where he was raised while on his final approach for the new Sioux County Regional Airport. Muilenburg told the gathering of several hundred people that Boeing’s slogan is “The Future is Built Here.” He says that slogan can also apply to the new Sioux County Regional Airport.

The Boeing Executive then related how his humble beginnings from a Sioux County farm helped with him with his career. He also praised the Iowa based companies, including Aim Aerospace of Orange City, for providing products purchased and used by Boeing.

Following the dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony, airport officials allowed the crowd to take self guided tours of the new $34 million dollar airport facility.

Airport Manager Randy Vander Weide believes the new regional airport will definitely boost the local economy.

The new airport has a runway that stretches over a mile long and is more than 100 feet in width.  Harold Schiebout, airport board chairman, says the airport also has a taxi way that runs parallel to the runway.  He says the new airport is also equipped with a lighting system to help pilots better locate the runway during low ceiling or foggy conditions.  With the new opening of the Sioux County Regional airport, both the Orange City and the Sioux Center existing airports are scheduled to close within the next few weeks.