Facilities Destroyed By Fire October 25

The city of Monmouth, IL says it could take as long as two years to rebuild structures that were destroyed in a fire October 25.

The Journal Star newspaper reports that, according to City Administrator Lew Steinbrecher, just permitting the new buildings could take as long as 18 months. Replacing the hangar will require the review and approval of the Illinois Department of Transportation Aeronautics Department, as well as the FAA.

Steinbrecher said that the City Council has not yet decided on the best way to proceed. There had been a plan in the works to move the hangar from the east side of the airport to the west, but now it is unclear if that move will happen. Steinbrecher said the city staff hopes to have a recommendation to put before the council by February, 2020. If it is approved, it would be moved on to the IDOT and FAA.

The October 25 fire destroyed the hangar and eight airplanes, and debris has not yet been removed from the airport grounds. That process is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

The airport remains open, though power has not yet been restored to the fuel dispensary. The power came from the hangar, and the city is waiting for responses to a bid process for the electrical work.

(Image provided by the City of Monmouth)

FMI: Source report