Kansas City, Missouri, Mayor Sly James says he’s making progress to ensure that the airlines flying in and out of Kansas City International airport are all on board with the new single terminal project.
In a statement e-mailed late Tuesday afternoon, James said the city and the airlines have agreed to revisit the project’s scope.
This could further delay terminal construction, which has already been pushed back several times.
James said he has met with the airlines to discuss how the project can move forward on the city’s timeline.
“Since the project cannot move forward with further design and construction until environmental approvals are granted, the airlines have requested as part of their due diligence, and we have agreed, to take a second look at the project scope and ensure everyone is comfortable,” James said in the statement.
Earlier this month, city officials were surprised to learn that some of the smaller carriers, like Spirit and Allegiant, had reservations about the cost of the new terminal and how it would be split between airlines.
The new terminal is bigger than originally planned, and the construction cost has grown along with it.
Adding to city officials’ confusion is the assertion by the mayor and the aviation department that one of the issues centers around who pays what portion of the cost of a $20 million baggage claim system, which is less than 2 percent of the cost of the entire project.
James said he expects to have another update in January.
The city council airport committee is set to meet on Thursday to discuss other details of the project.
Lisa Rodriguez is a reporter and the afternoon newscaster for KCUR 89.3. Follow her on Twitter @larodrig.
