Beacon photo by Dan Colton

The Sheboygan County Memorial Airport’s Customs Facility and Welcome Center delayed opening as a result of COVID-19.

The customs building is finished and awaits hookup to the internet, but it is otherwise ready for operations, said Matt Grenoble, airport superintendent, during the Sept. 1 meeting of the Sheboygan County Airport Advisory Committee.

“Due to the times of the pandemic, the Ryder Cup postponement and all the international business travel that has completely ceased, we made a decision to delay the start of customs services,” Grenoble said. “We’re looking at the spring of 2021 for starting customs services.”

Grenoble said the delay represents a disappointing, yet necessary, development for the airport.

“Given the times, I think this is the smartest thing to do because we’re worried the office is going to sit there for 40 hours a week without any arrivals,” Grenoble said.

The customs office will be utilized for administrative offices, international travelers and for finalizing flight plans of domestic flights.

Grenoble said there will also be additional office space for rent, potentially for a rental car company or a flight school.