Representatives of the Federal Aviation Administration told Kansas City's Airport Terminal Advisory Committee Monday that their agency wouldn't pay very much of the cost of building a new terminal. But a consultants report suggested a new terminal building might help pay for itself.
Sandwiches, coffee and soft drinks could help pay for a new terminal according to Garfield Eaton of transportation consultants Frasca & Associates. He says KCI finished in last place for concession revenues among 20 airports studied - about 66 cents for each departing passenger.
Eaton says if a new terminal provides more amenities beyond the security gate that could easily increase about a dollar to the amount other airports typically take in. The consultant says that modest per-passenger increase would generate about $5 million a year in extra airport revenue that revenue could be used to offset any bonds or other expenses.
At present, it appears that whether Kansas City builds a new terminal or renovates the old ones depends more on voter opinion than consultancy numbers. A successful initiative petition drive and a city council proposal both call for an election before any new terminal could be built.
At a public hearing Monday night, opinion was overwhelmingly against the idea of a new single terminal.
