Site A farmers speak out
“Seven farmers gathered in a machine shed on 220th Street to give their views on the regional airport at a press conference with local news media. Their farms lie within Site A — the primary location of study for the proposed airport project. The regional airport is a contentious issue in the Nov. 5 election.
“I maybe have to give up my home — it depends on what happens,” said Betty Barnard.
Florence Rempe said there are several century farms in the area.
Rempe said the project would take her century-farm land but leave her the century-farm house.
“It’s our heritage,” she said. “They don’t need to take good Iowa farmland.”
“We are a century farm too,” John De Rooi said. “I see no need for a regional airport.”
John Bandstra said his farm would be in the flight path of the airport. He also said the airport would close a section of 220th Street — one of the busiest farm roads.”
Nollen, Duane. Oskaloosa.com 1 November 2013.