After a nationwide search, the State of South Dakota has a new-to-it airplane.
The state Department of Transportation took possession of a 2015 King Air 350 last week (Jan. 17-21, 2022). The cost of the plane, including all upgrades, was $4.7 million.
Governor Kristi Noem says this plane is newer and safer. She says it will also save the state at least $1.5 million in pending maintenance costs on the two planes that have been sold.
In 2021, the legislature appropriated $5 million, plus the proceeds from the sales of the King Air 200 and one King Air 90, for the purchase of a new plane. The State retained the services of aircraft broker Verity Jet for $195,000. The net proceeds from the two planes were as follows:
- King Air 200: $1.81 million (appraised for $1.73 million)
- King Air 90: $1.24 million (appraised for $1.12 million)
Combined with the sale of two state-owned planes in 2021, the deal saved the State of South Dakota $3.31 million compared to what had been budgeted. The savings will be reverted to the State General Fund.
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