Palm Springs, Calif. – Riverside County officials trying to get rid of a rural airport on the eastern edge of the county are trying a new sale tactic — they’ve put it on eBay. Complete Text
Wednesday, May 19, 2004
Riverside County officials put rural airport for sale on eBay
The Associated Press
Palm Springs, Calif. – Riverside County officials trying to get rid of a rural airport on the eastern edge of the county are trying a new sale tactic — they’ve put it on eBay.
The Desert Center Airport has one runway, is located about 70 miles east of Palm Springs and can be yours for 2.7 million dollars.
Rob Field is the county’s aviation division supervisor and the one who came up with the idea to put the airport up for auction on the Web site.
Field says the county couldn’t afford advertising so the move seemed reasonable — although the eBay ad did cost 350 dollars.
The county decided to sell the airport because it brings in about $7,200 a year in revenue but costs about $80,000 annually to maintain.
Although quirky auctions are common on the Web site an eBay spokesman says he can’t recall any other sale involving an airport.
