By Sara StrongCity officials have to put off the airport expansion plans for a few years, but they’re still counting on eventually making the runway longer.It could take five to seven years until the city is in a position to get the new runway."For federal funding, there’s criteria we didn’t meet," City Administrator Greg LaFond said.In order to get money for expansion, the airport needs to have an anticipated 500 uses per year of twin engine or larger planes.Luverne expects just 100 to 120. The numbers are down from previous estimates largely because of Agri-Energy’s decreased use of the airport."We just need to generate more business," LaFond said.Even though the project is on hold, the city is moving forward with land purchases so future airport expansion is possible.About 80 acres of the Vegge property will be purchased for $273,000. If the city doesn’t buy it, the family intends to sell it to another party.Stegenga property, how many acres and price.Luverne’s runway is the shortest in the state.