A welcome center for Minot Air Force Base airmen flying into and out of the Minot airport received support from the Minot City Council Monday, Aug. 18.

Minot Area Chamber EDC and airport officials have been working on the concept, described as a mini-USO location, and have identified a space in the terminal for the welcome center. The. The center would be furnished by donations and staffed by volunteers from MACEDC and Minot AFB, according to information provided to the council.

The agreement requires MACEDC to provide a marketing swap that is equal in value to the fair market rent of $5,975 annually.

Council member Rob Fuller moved to drop the contract rent to $1.

“This is us paying ourselves to rent a space for the military,” he said, noting MACEDC is acting for the city and will use funds received from the city.

Airport Director Jennifer Eckman said the airport is required under its federal grants to rent space at fair market value, especially if not leased to an aeronautical use. She said she has sought feedback to clarify but it could take some time to get an answer.

Additionally, the Federal Aviation Administration and Transportation Safety Administration pay fair market value for their leased space, and other cities that have leased space in their terminals for city purposes have had to pay fair market rent, she said.

Based on city attorney advice, the council unanimously voted to accept the contract as written while continuing to seek FAA direction on a reduced rental rate. If the FAA approves a reduced rate, the lease can be amended.