Des Moines airport officials plan to vote next month on whether to ask developers for ideas for developments on a handful of parcels on airport property that are close to Fleur Drive and Army Post Road.

The Airport Authority Board this week discussed the airport staff’s thought that developing the parcels could help boost business in the area while also providing cash for the airport’s nearly $500 million proposal to build a new terminal and related facilities.

Kevin Foley, the airport’s executive director and general manager, said, for example, a manufacturer had looked at a 20-acre site on the south side of the airport’s property in recent years, but chose not to build. “There is great potential on that site,” said Des Moines Deputy City Manager Matt Anderson, who sits in on the airport board meetings to represent the city. 

Foley said it makes sense to test developers’ interest in the land around the perimeter of the airport grounds. “We may be missing some opportunities out there,” he told the board. 

Some of the sites are near the airfield and the terminal and might be good for airport-related businesses particularly, Foley added. Others have the advantage of aligning with the already heavily commercial Fleur and Army Post corridors. 

Board member Mark Feldmann liked the idea of developing the parcels, but wanted to wait to approve a request for proposals until specific language is ready in January. 

“This is great thinking — excellent,” Feldmann said. 

Foley said any leases would probably be for at least 30 years. If any deals were negotiated, a public hearing would be held.