The Kansas City city council has voted to move ahead with laying plans for a single-terminal concept for KCI Airport. though, that it doesn't guarantee that a new terminal will be built.
Council members Scott Wagner, Scott Taylor and John Sharp had reservations about proceeding with the planning for a new terminal. They said the aviation department had presented an inadequate report promoting it – lacking in data and too focused on shortcomings of the present-day KCI.
Mayor Sly James agreed the aviation department's pitch was lacking, but told the group: “One thing is for certain: this 40-year-old airport ain't gonna last for 40 years, and sooner or later you're gonna have to make the decision. The question is: when you make the decision do you want to be at rock bottom or do you want to stop from reaching the tipping point?”
The mayor said he had researched some of the gaps in the presentation and was convinced now is the time to act. The plan to proceed with planning passed 9 to 3.
Additional council approvals would be necessary to proceed beyond the planning stage. The Aviation Department has said it would withdraw the proposal to rebuild if federal funds are not available. Also, if revenue bonds are used to underwrite construction, they would have to be approved by the voters.
