(KNOX) – Grand Forks County, the City of Grand Forks and the City of East Grand Forks are on board with applying for a federal Small Community Air Service Grant.
The county is writing a letter of support. The City of Grand Forks is pledging $300,000 toward the $1 million application.
Barry Wilfahrt of the Chamber of Commerce asked the City of East Grand Forks to contribute 20-thousand dollars as part of $200,000 being raised privately, including contributions from Sanford and American Crystal Sugar.
Councilman Dale Helms questioned what the return on investment would be for the city’s $20,000.
Wilfahrt replied time is of the essence because the application will be sent by noon Monday.
Should the competitive grant come through, Sky West could open daily service from GFK to Denver.
Mayor Steve Gander said the contribution would be a show of good faith. The request passed with Helms voting no.
The Council unanimously adopted a resolution to authorize a special election for November 5 to ask voters to approve a 1% 20-year sales tax to fund upgrades to the East Grand Forks Civic Center and VFW Memorial Arena. One question will appear on the ballot for each project.
The Council also hired Herman Gray as a police officer.
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