The culmination of several years of planning and construction was unveiled at the Dodge City Regional Airport as a ribbon-cutting celebrated the completion of a $10 million project on Aug. 28.
A video of the ceremony was posted online on the city of Dodge City’s Facebook page.
U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-KS, was among the dignitaries who spoke.
Moran said connectivity means people and commerce can travel elsewhere and people can come here in a timely manner.
Western Kansas communities that are regional hubs provide an essential service not only to their local community, but to residents in other rural communities that need the connecting flights. It also is a commitment so that people from other parts of the country and world can get to rural areas. He talks to visitors who use regional airports, and they will enjoy the experience. In fact, he said, many will say, “I had no idea this was here.”U.
Investment in airports in rural communities pays and speaks volumes about community growth and development, Moran said. The Dodge City airport is served by United Airlines. During the ceremonies public works director Corey Keller said the project took several years of planning and he was appreciative of the support provided by the Kansas’ congressional delegation, federal, state, and community partners.
Service providers and staff were supportive, and guests understood the temporary inconveniences during the renovation process would pay off with a better experience in the future, he said.
Air service is important to southwest Kansas and to communities and has been for many years. The recent improvements signal a bright future as he called the ribbon cutting, “A celebration of progress.”
Mayor Jeff Reinert says it plays a vital role to the community and is a gateway where Dodge City residents can get to anywhere in the world and visitors can travel here to see and enjoy the community. He encouraged Dodge City residents to use the local airport.
“Fly local and fly often,” he said.
Travelers can fly to Denver International Airport and from there they can fly anywhere in the world. After the ribbon cutting, event-goers toured the terminal to learn about the improvements.
Dave Bergmeier can be reached at 620-227-1822 or [email protected].
