PIA - A History: New Decade, Dark Clouds
Previously, we explored not only air service changes at the Peoria Municipal Airport during 1949, but also problems with mining subsidence which threatened the airfield's future. (Originally posted December 24, 2015) In February 1950, the U. S. Air Force informed the Park Board that if its demands for improved facilities - including a 7,000-foot runway - were not met, the 169th Air National Guard unit would have to relocate to another city. The same month, a second fissure was discovered on both ANG and adjoining private property after 14 rooms mined by Edward Mohn & Sons had collapsed. This diagram, which appeared in the Peoria Star on May 25, 1950, shows the problem areas. Airport officials agreed that the solution was to either buy out the Mohn's mineral rights or condemn the property. Lack of adequate sources of funding proved a barrier to either course. A push to create an airport authority gained support. With a goal to hold a public vote by May 31, 1950...