Yakima County Give its Split Share of Airport with the City

Yakima County is willing to give its split share of the airport to the city. Officials on both sides admit the airport would not succeed without a sole owner. Yakima City manager, Tony O'Rourke, says revitalizing the airport could put Yakima on the map. He argues more people would chose to fly in and out of here, if the facility was improved. He also believes surrounding land could be developed for private and commercial use.

The city manager says only 1-in-4 Yakima residents even use the airport. He thinks attracting more locals alone could translate to success. But only time will tell if it is really the ticket to economic improvement in the area. The city will hold a study session in January, as well as a public meeting. The county says if all goes well, negotiations could wrap up within a few months.