Mayor Sly James said Tuesday the city and its residents are not ready to move forward with a major revamp at KCI Airport.
He did say changes are needed, but the city must first focus on "other infrastructure priorities."
James is disappointed but isn’t calling this a setback.
“This is not the time and our citizens do not think that this is the right time for us to do this,” James said.
According to the mayor, 800 people were polled recently, and 39 percent of those people say the city is not ready to make a new terminal at KCI a big priority.
Most of them would not even support a ballot question on the issue.
ON HOLD: here's the poll info that shows @KCMO residents aren't ready for a new terminal at @KCIAirport. pic.twitter.com/hSl2nT7Hbp
— Andres Gutierrez (@AFGutierrez) May 3, 2016
The terminal wouldn’t have cost anything to taxpayers; airlines would have picked up the bill.
“We’re going to press pause on the conversation for the time being,” James said.
However the mayor said a plethora of issues like trust, misinformation and convenience doomed the plan. It would have cost between $2 to $3 million to launch a campaign to sway voters for the plan.
Southwest Airlines and American Airlines said on April 26, they "simply cannot grow" in Kansas City without a new, single terminal and asked the Kansas City Council members to jump onboard.
The airport committee presented its "unanimous" recommendation to city council, suggesting the city ditch KCI Airport's current design and build a new, one-terminal airport.
#BREAKING: #KCI future is on hold. @MayorSlyJames "the time is not now...pressing pause on the conversation" pic.twitter.com/rizHHpSCCL
— Andres Gutierrez (@AFGutierrez) May 3, 2016
City officials and the airlines have pushed for the one-terminal plan saying it would be cheaper than renovating the airport due to its current layout.
They also said it would allow for technology upgrades, more restaurants, children play areas, business lounges and an airline club.
Critics have argued it would cost too much and do away with the simplicity and convenience of the current design.
A closer look at the new terminal
- The one-terminal design the council approved will build a new centralized terminal at the now closed Terminal A site.
- Arrivals and departures will be split on two levels.
- A new central parking garage will be built.
Councilwoman Teresa Loar supports renovating KCI, but not a new terminal.
"I really am not surprised by the poll results because I've been talking to folks out there for a year and a half," Loar said. "The citizens are not dumb, they're not stupid. I don't think they were that misinformed. I think they know exactly what they wanted and that came out in the results of the poll."
It was a shock when Loar got the call from James but supports his decision, adding, "You know, I have to hand it to the mayor. What he did today was hard for him I'm sure. I think he did the right thing."
One council member was for a new terminal, Jermaine Reed.
"It is our front door to Kansas City and it is one that we must showcase in a manner that shows the best Kansas City has to offer," Reed emphasized.
We broke the news to J. L. Johnson, who flies at least twice a month. His response was, "Outrage. This is ridiculous. This is Kansas City. We're trying to be a world class destination. We're trying to be a world class city and we can't get something as simple as a new terminal that the airlines want to pay for. We're OK with the crumbling infrastructure, the cramped quarters, the poor experience and the bad image the airport gives Kansas City."
Southwest Airlines sent 41 Action News the following statement:
"While we are disappointed with as much work that has gone into the terminal proposal, we understand that the Mayor and City Council are responsible to Kansas City voters. Southwest will continue to work with the city as our partner to provide the best air service and Customer Service for Kansas City travelers."
Patrick Tuohey, Western Missouri Field Manager for the Show-Me Institute, released the following statement:
"This decision not to pursue a $1.25 billion new terminal is a win for everyone in Kansas City and the region.
Over the past few years, the Show-Me Institute has followed this issue closely and tried to educate the public and policymakers on the risks of building a new terminal. Too many other cities have invested heavily in new terminals only to be saddled with large amounts of debt and with fewer options for passengers.
Kansas Citians were right to be skeptical, especially since the airport we have now is seen as very convenient and has been attracting new flights and airlines. In the end, City officials and airlines could not provide enough justification to take on this risk. We commend city leadership for recognizing this and moving on to issues that require their undivided attention this year."
------
