116 3rd St SE
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
Iowa City Airport commission launches charitable fund for airport enhancements
First project fund will support is new mural facing Riverside Drive
IOWA CITY — The Iowa City Airport Commission has created a charitable giving fund to raise money for improvements to the airport, including a new mural.
The fund will help with general support, upkeep, beautification and capital improvements to buildings, equipment and grounds at the airport, according to a city news release.
The news release highlighted how the airport is a “vital gateway” to Iowa City and crucial to support local businesses and medical facilities.
The airport’s total annual economic activity is $23.6 million, according to a report published last year by the Iowa Department of Transportation. The Iowa DOT’s aviation economic impact report highlighted 241 total jobs impact, with 77 being direct airport jobs.
Airport Manager Michael Tharp previously told The Gazette it gives him a sense of pride that the work put in to revitalize the airport over the last 20 years is paying off. Residents have a better understanding of the airport’s contributions to the community, he said.
“People are looking at Iowa City as an example of an active, quality airport,” Tharp said.
The city-owned general aviation airport bounced back “extremely quickly” from the pandemic. The impacts on commercial airlines weren’t mirrored in general aviation since the travel is point-to-point within a smaller group of people, he said.
Funding new mural
The first project the fund will support is the new art mural on an airport hangar facing Riverside Drive. The 12-foot-tall, 300-foot-long mural is a partnership with the city’s public art advisory committee.
“We’re interested in trying to have (the mural) show some of the history because (the airport has) been there for over 100 years, and there’s been a lot of history,” Judy Pfohl, chair of the Iowa City Airport Commission, told The Gazette last year.
The goal is to raise $35,000 for the mural, which has a budget of $38,400, according to the city. Those who donate will be acknowledged on a plaque inside the airport’s terminal but anonymous gifts are welcome as well.
Anyone who donates more than $5,000 before July 15 will be allowed to propose a personally-connected design element to incorporate in the mural, such as having their aircraft included.
This will be limited to the first seven qualifying donors or until the funding goal is reached, the city said. The artist and airport commission will have final approval over the proposed design elements.
Anyone interested in donating can do so online through the Community Foundation of Johnson County’s website or by mailing a check to the foundation with “Iowa City Municipal Airport Charitable Giving Fund” in the memo.
Comments: (319) 339-3155; izabela.zaluska@thegazette.com
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