Bill to reserve airport revenues for Lambert’s operations draws divided testimony

Representative Scott Miller presented House Bill 2931, which would require revenues generated by the regional airport be reserved for the airport’s operations and capital improvements rather than being deposited into a city general fund. Miller said the proposal is intended to protect a regional asset and ensure tax receipts tied to airport activity are invested back into the facility and surrounding infrastructure.

Committee members repeatedly asked whether Miller had consulted local officials; Miller said he had not yet engaged the city or county leadership and acknowledged refinements may be necessary. Tom Dempsey, speaking for St. Charles County, supported the bill and cited the federal Airport and Airway Improvement Act and U.S. Code §47133, which generally prohibits diversion of airport revenues but contains a grandfather clause that has allowed St. Louis to treat certain receipts differently. Dempsey said Lambert’s exception is uncommon and supplied background on the federal restriction.

Jackie Barje, representing the city of St. Louis, testified in opposition. She said roughly 95% of airport revenues remain at the airport under federal rules and that a small portion (which she characterized as approximately 5%) goes into the city general fund to support local services such as schools, police and public works. Barje argued the bill would reduce local funding for services and that the airport commission already involves regional partners in budgeting.

Members requested more fiscal detail and accounting clarifications before proceeding; the committee closed the hearing without taking a vote.