Camdenton — The Camdenton Memorial Lake Regional Airport is set to expand. The city has announced that the facility will be expanded to include 20 new hangars.

“We now have 37 hangars, bringing the total to 57,” said Camdenton City Manager Jeff Hooker.

Although the first earthworks for the new project are only just beginning, the demand for new hangar space is already huge.

“Almost half of them have already been allocated,” Hooker explained.

Officials and local businesses are confident that the additional hangar space will only benefit the community’s economy.

“The more people come to your airport, the more people use your gas stations, your supermarkets, go to Walmart or whatever. So we hope that sales tax revenue will increase as well.”

Magic Dragon Ride, a company based on Lake Constance, is pleased with the increasing number of visitors.

“This should be a big help to me because a lot of people will be coming here and may not have the means to drive there and back,” says owner Michael Coffey.

The airport has already extended its runway by 304 meters, which officials say has also contributed to the increased demand for hangar space.

Hooker says jet fuel sales have already increased 100%.

In an area known for tourism, vacationers and artists have easier access to the Lake of the Ozarks.

“We hope to get more of these acts when they fly in,” Hooker explained.

Despite the increase in hangars and demand for access to the area, officials say there are currently no plans to bring commercial flights to the airport.

The city ultimately wants to build nearly 70 hangars to house private jets and hopes that a larger airport will also lead to a stronger economy.

“Airports will contribute to the development and growth of your economy.”

According to officials, anyone who wants to buy a hangar can contact the city administration office.