Rep. West seeks to restore state funding authority for St. Louis metropolitan airport planning
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Summary
House Bill 2962 would remove a 1983 prohibition so the legislature can appropriate funds to a reconstituted Missouri St. Louis Metropolitan Airport Authority for regional airport planning and infrastructure. Supporters said the airport is a regional economic asset; the city of St. Louis warned state involvement could unsettle airline agreements.
Representative West introduced House Bill 2962 to reconstitute the Missouri St. Louis Metropolitan Airport Authority and to restore the legislature’s ability to appropriate state funds for planning and infrastructure around Lambert–St. Louis International Airport.
West said the authority was originally created to support expansion and that a 1983 change stopped state appropriations; reauthorizing appropriations would allow the metropolitan area to pursue federal and other funds and organize regional civic and business leaders to address terminal upgrades, roadways and a consolidated rental‑car center. He described Lambert and the surrounding infrastructure as a regional asset that affects economic connectivity across eastern Missouri and southwestern Illinois.
Committee members asked whether plans already exist and who would pay for improvements. Representative Murphy and others noted active airline negotiations and expansion plans and cautioned that new state involvement might create uncertainty that could jeopardize private investment. Tom Dempsey, a registered lobbyist for St. Charles County, testified in favor and emphasized the regional economic consequences of past losses of hub status; Jackie Barje, speaking for the city of St. Louis, opposed the bill and urged the committee not to introduce uncertainty into ongoing airline agreements or the airport director search.
Witnesses and members also discussed federal law requiring airports that receive federal assistance to restrict diversion of airport revenues, and whether Lambert’s grandfathered status creates an exception. During testimony Dempsey said the city of St. Louis currently diverts an amount he estimated at about $6.5 million to the general fund; city witnesses asserted 95% of airport revenue stays with the airport and that existing regional commission structures participate in budgeting.
No committee vote was taken. The chair closed the public hearing after members and witnesses exchanged questions and answers.