(KNZA)--The Hiawatha City Commission is moving forward with a proposal that could lead to the sale of a portion of land at the Hiawatha Municipal Airport for private development.

At Monday night’s meeting, commissioners approved advancing a plan submitted by local resident and businessman Mike Bahr.  The proposal involves purchasing a 4.5-acre tract of airport property at a rate of $1,000 per acre, with possible options to acquire additional nearby parcels totaling just over eight acres.

Bahr told city leaders he intends to start an agricultural drone operation on the site. He also outlined a potential second phase that could include hydrogen production and related chemical manufacturing, saying the long-term goal is to create multiple businesses that support regional economic growth.

Bahr moved to Hiawatha in 2025 from Wisconsin.  He founded Kansas Agricultural Drone Services ( KADS), which provides precision aerial services to agricultural  producers across northeast Kansas and adjacent states.  In a release, Bahr said the proposed airport site will serve as a permanent home for both KADS operations and a companion venture, Midwest Sustainable Innovations.

Bahr said he has already been in contact with the FAA and the Kansas Department of Transportation to review requirements for the proposed development.

Mayor Becky Shamburg and city commissioners expressed support for moving the proposal forward.

If the project clears legal and regulatory hurdles, the sale could close as soon as August.