ICYMI: Public remains wary on terminal plan

Dr. Bill Flynt of Kansas City said he travels frequently out of KCI and has not found a more convenient airport.

"The way to make it better is not to destroy its great strength," he said at the podium. "The greatest strength is its convenience."

Mr. Graves, whose district includes the airport, along with the upper tier of Missouri, assembled a panel that included his predecessor in the U.S. House, former Rep. Pat Danner.

No one at the dais spoke favorably about the $1.2 billion plan to replace the airport with a single terminal. Mr. Graves, who sits on the House committee that oversees transportation matters, said the Federal Aviation Administration now must take into account customer convenience when considering airport master plans.

On the single-terminal idea, which has gotten an initial go-ahead by the City Council of Kansas City, Mr. Graves said he knows the arguments.

"I hear efficiency and security," the Republican lawmaker said. "The truth of the matter is, we're one of the safest airports in the nation."

The multiple screening stations generally mean that screeners avoid fatigue and the mistakes that can go with that. He also doubted that KCI would get an airline hub as a result of the changes.

"The days of hubs are over," Mr. Graves said, noting that all airlines soon will adopt the point-to-point model that has gained success for Southwest Airlines.

John Sharp, a Kansas City councilman, sat on the panel and said the customer benefits of the airport would be put at risk if the lone terminal gets built.

"I don't want to lose that convenience on what I think is a false promise," he said, referring to the possibility of a hub and more flights. The current airport needs improvements, he added. "I think we have a real gem in KCI. Like any gem, we need to polish it."

Ms. Danner, who served as 6th District representative from 1993 to 2001, tried to dispel the idea that increased amenities at the new airport would be worth the costs involved.

"I don't know of anyone who goes anywhere in the country or the world to acquire fine dining at (an airport)," the former Democratic congresswoman said.

But Dave Napoli, a former Air Force pilot and former operations manager at KCI, rejected this idea and came to the podium as the lone supporter of the single terminal.

During a recent stop at Midway Airport in Chicago, "The restaurants there were packed," he said. "The cost of operating (KCI) is horrendous. … Although it is a big expense, KCI is outdated."

Other ideas arose about using the existing terminals or combining terminals to create efficiencies. One person suggested a fourth terminal be built for international flights.

Susan Bird, who resides near the Riverside City Hall, said she came to the forum on a whim. She spoke alongside her daughter Elizabeth, who must navigate the airport in a wheelchair. Whatever the determination, Ms. Bird said, accessibility to those with mobility troubles should be considered.

The subject also strayed for a short time to other fiscal matters. Bill Edwards, a resident of Smithville, Mo., said Mr. Graves favored harsh budget cuts that affected programs like education and Meals on Wheels.