2017 Spencer Comprehensive Land Use Plan

Spencer, Iowa  2017  Comprehensive Plan

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION SERVICES The City of Spencer is not provided with direct connection to intercity or charter bus service. There are smaller private charter ride services available to the residents of Spencer. In terms of public transit

services, the community continues to be served by the nonprofit Regional Transit Authority (RTA) bus service called “RIDES”. RIDES was founded in 1976 in Spencer, and in 1987 it was the first RTA in the State of Iowa to construct its own maintenance and office facility, which was again expanded in 1995. The RIDES central office is located at 522 10 th Avenue East in Spencer. Currently, this Regional Transit Authority operates a fleet of 66 vehicles, 63 of which are ADA compliant. Transit rides are offered Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Private cab services are provided in the community by Spencer City Transportation Services, formerly known as Spencer City Cab, LLC. This cab company provides rides and transportation needs to residents of northwest Iowa. According to the company’s website, Spencer City Cab will “Offer service to everywhere you need to go”

NORTHWEST IOWA REGIONAL AIRPORT A well-designed airport is a vital tool for community and economic development. The City of Spencer is served by the Northwest Iowa Regional Airport located in the far northwestern portion of city limits. The Northwest Iowa Regional Airport is owned by the City of Spencer, and maintained by the city’s public works department. The Northwest Iowa Regional Airport is considered a general service airport. According to the Iowa DOT Office of Aviation, a general service airport supports most twin and single engine general aviation aircraft. General aviation airports support the in-state air

transportation needs of the community and greater northwest Iowa region. The Spencer airport supports the aviation needs of personal and recreational aircraft, as well as the business and corporate air needs for businesses and industries in Spencer, Clay County, and the Iowa Great Lake Region. Additionally, Leading Edge Aviation, a fixed based operation (FBO), is contracted as the Airport Manager and they oversee the day to day operations of the airport. Leading Edge Aviation provides rental of hanger space, fueling of aircraft, charter flights, and general aviation services. The Northwest Iowa Regional Airport first opened in 1942. When the airport opened it contained 200 acres of land. Today the airport has 886 of land. Of this, 38.5 acres is paved, 2 acres are buildings and the remaining 560 acres is farmland within the immediate glide slope and approach areas of the airport runways.

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NW Iowa Planning & Development