The Columbus AirPark could soon see the construction of a building used for state government workers on its campus.
The Columbus Board of Aviation Commissioners approved a land lease Tuesday with M4 Properties LLC, based in Versailles, as part of a plan by the company to construct a 17,000-square-foot building, Columbus Municipal Airport Director Brian Payne said.
The land lease is contingent on whether the company needs two or three acres as part of its development plans, Payne said. The proposed building –at the northeast corner of Ray Boll Boulevard and Poshard Drive — would house 60 employees, although it wasn’t immediately known which state agency would utilize the facility.
Attempts on Wednesday to reach a representative for the company seeking more information were unsuccessful.
Meanwhile, the airport board also approved a recommendation to Columbus City Council seeking an Economic Revitalization Area designation for the Columbus Airpark campus and the former Walesboro Airport property, which is targeted for industry.
Payne said if the designation were approved by council, it would be beneficial for potential developers seeking tax abatements.
“It speeds up that timeline,” Payne said.
The board also approved spending up to $10,000 for its June 10 Aviation Day. The free, day-long celebration is in its fourth year and will be conducted from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the airport.
Aviation Day will also mark the 25th anniversary of the Atterbury-Bakalar Air Museum. The airport already has received $17,000 in sponsorship and pledges, but the appropriation was needed to cover the full $25,000 cost associated with the event, Payne said.
Donations for Aviation Day can be made by calling the airport office at 812-376-2519 or contacting the air museum at 812-372-4356.
