In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the preliminary stages of a master plan for the Sawyer County Airport, emphasizing the importance of environmental considerations and community feedback. The meeting highlighted the ongoing efforts to address public concerns regarding proposed developments, particularly the potential construction of hangars on a nine-acre parcel along Namakaugan Lane.

Carl Kemper, an airport engineer, noted that initial plans included detailed hangar layouts for the area, but after listening to community input, the team has adjusted their approach to potentially avoid developing hangars on that land altogether. Instead, they proposed a phased plan that would shift the runway and open up alternative locations for hangar development, thereby respecting the wishes of local residents.

Additionally, the discussion included the controversial topic of Airport Road's relocation. Initially suggested as a preferred alternative, the plan faced opposition from nearby residents who expressed concerns about increased traffic. In response, the team proposed closing a section of Airport Road to alleviate these concerns, with further evaluations to be conducted during the environmental analysis phase.

The meeting underscored that the current discussions are conceptual, with no immediate funding allocated for the projects. The board members emphasized the need for thorough environmental assessments and public engagement as the plan progresses. A motion to approve the development alternative plan was made and seconded, allowing consultants to continue refining the master plan, which will be presented to the board for further consideration in the future.

As the airport prepares for a runway resurfacing project next year, officials reiterated that any changes to the airport's layout would be carefully evaluated and not rushed, ensuring that community needs and environmental impacts remain a priority throughout the planning process.