St. Cloud Approves Creation of Airport Authority

ST. CLOUD -- Efforts to create a regional airport authority for the St. Cloud Regional Airport has cleared its first hurdle.

The St. Cloud City Council has passed a resolution to create the airport authority. It still needs approval from Stearns, Benton and Sherburne Counties.

Creating an airport authority means the city would share the responsibility of overseeing the airport's operation with the three counties. The authority would operate like a joint powers agreement, having all the powers of a city including the ability to levy a tax, hire staff, and enter into agreements.

It's unclear when the counties will consider the measure.