State not likely to buy St. George airport

St. George officials recently opened five bids from potential buyers and are seriously investigating two of them, said Marc Mortensen, St. George assistant city manager.

A potential hang-up for any buyer could be the fact that the title to the current airport land could not be released until the replacement airport is constructed and open for business in 2011. But the sooner St. George gets its financial package together, the earlier construction can start on the replacement airport, said Larry Bulloch, St. George public works director.

"We want to expedite it so we can take advantage of a favorable bidding climate. It's much more competitive right now," Bulloch said, adding one of the two bids could be selected and approved by the City Council within the next few weeks.

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