Lake Of The Ozarks' Longest Airstrip, Lee C. Fine Airport Could Soon Belong To Osage Beach

OSAGE BEACH, Mo. — It's the longest airstrip at Lake of the Ozarks: Lee C. Fine Memorial Airport (AIZ) has long been operated by the City of Osage Beach on land leased from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, about five miles from city limits. But thanks to a pending agreement between the two entities, the City of Osage Beach could soon own the airport — and the ground under it — free and clear.

With the pending agreement, the city would obtain 385 acres of Lake of the Ozarks State Park, including the airport, at no cost, in exchange for taking over the approximately 14 miles of wastewater infrastructure in the Lake of the Ozarks State Park. The park's wastewater infrastructure is already connected to the City's collection system.

"It's a good deal for the city," said Osage Beach City Attorney Cole Bradbury. "We’ll have the ability to make our own destiny with it… it’s a big opportunity for us."

In order for the deal to happen, Bradbury explained the Missouri Legislature would have to pass enabling legislation, which would permit DNR to transfer the land. If all goes smoothly, Bradbury said the transfer could happen next summer.

The City says Lee C. Fine is critical for the continued growth of the Lake community. It is the largest of the City's two airports (Grand Glaize Airport being the smaller) and is an asset to the area's economy through job creation, facilitating trade, enabling tourism, and supporting economic development.

With its 6,497-foot runway, Lee C. Fine sports the longest airstrip at the Lake of the Ozarks, allowing larger aircraft to jet in and out of the Lake area that otherwise would not have a long enough runway in the Lake area.

"It is hands-down the best runway at the Lake," Bradbury enthused. He said the city is the process of developing a master-plan for the 385 acres, which would be developable for supporting infrastructure around the airport. Of special interest to the flying community would be the opportunity to construct more hangars: aircraft owners who want to hangar their jet or plane at one of the Lake area's four airports currently have to get on a waiting list.

Bradbury said that master-plan would be made public once it is complete. He noted federal grants would play a significant role in decisions about what kind of development happens on the property, as the Federal Aviation Administration makes a large amount of grant money available for airports.

Lee C. Fine is located in the state park in Brumley, Mo., approximately five miles from the city limits of Osage Beach. The leased land is open for public use 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The airport provides fuel service, hangar access, taxiways, and aircraft parking.