Kansas City Election Results 2017: New $1B Airport Layout Passed

KANSAS CITY, MO — Kansas City on Tuesday overwhelmingly voted to spend $1 billion to restructure Kansas City International Airport so it has a single terminal. The measure passed by about a 3-to-1 margin.

Supporters, including most city officials and business leaders, promised that airlines and user fees would cover the new terminal rather than tax money. They said the current design — nearly a half-century old — with three, horseshoe-shaped terminals is outdated, does not meet post-9/11 security requirements and gives an embarrassing first impression of Kansas City to travelers and businessmen who might consider moving to the city or expanding their businesses there.

Mayor Sly James and other supporters argued that a more modern airport would help the area's economy and likely lead to more direct flights, and perhaps some international flights, out of Kansas City. Airline officials did not promise to add flights but generally supported the single terminal because the layout would be able to handle larger passenger jets better than the current configuration. And supporters said the single terminal would be more comfortable for travelers, by providing more retail options, bathrooms and more efficient security checkpoints.

Opponents, which were loosely organized but vocal, were skeptical that taxpayers would not eventually have to pay in some way for the project, either through taxes or higher ticket prices. They promoted plans to redesign the current layout, which they said would cost millions less than the single terminal while addressing some of the current airport's deficiencies. They said the redesign would retain the airport's convenience, while providing better security and more amenities.

Maryland-based Edgemoor's initial drawings for the new terminal show an H-shaped structure with two concourses and 35 gates. Arrivals and departures would be on separate levels, with curbside service for both, more efficient parking, more retail and a two-story fountain.

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