MEDC clarifies city’s role in airport transition

McCOOK Neb. — Questions have surfaced on social media about the City of McCook’s role in the McCook Ben Nelson Regional Airport and whether taxpayers are footing the bill for recent changes.

Charlie McPherson, executive director of the McCook Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), said the city continues to own and operate the airport, just as it always has. The airport itself — including the runways, city-owned buildings, and emergency services — remains a city responsibility.

When Red Willow Aviation, the longtime Fixed Base Operator (FBO), filed for bankruptcy, its assets reverted to the bank. McPherson said there was a real possibility that an outside buyer could have purchased the hangars and other assets, creating long-term challenges for the airport and its air service.

To prevent that, MEDC worked with the city to ensure the assets and operations remained local. MEDC is covering the cost of acquiring the FBO buildings and is funding an airport manager position while new operators are sought. Former Red Willow Aviation employees are under contract to continue fueling and hangar services.

“No taxpayer dollars were used for the acquisition of the FBO hangars,” McPherson said.

He emphasized that while the airport is not a profit center — like most small municipal airports — it is supported by federal Essential Air Service funding and ongoing city operations. MEDC is also exploring economic development opportunities that could help strengthen the airport in the long term.

✅ Bottom line: The City of McCook has always owned the airport. MEDC stepped in during the bankruptcy to keep operations stable, prevent outside ownership of the FBO assets, and protect local air service. Taxpayers are not covering the immediate costs of the transition.