City Council Delays Airport Vote

As of Monday night, a new agreement between the Columbia Regional Airport and American Airlines remains incomplete. The city council delayed because of a technicality; however it will likely pass next Monday, October 22nd.Councilman Gary Kespohl told ABC 17 News he is confident it will pass at the 8 a.m. meeting. If the plan goes, through it could cost tax payers $3 million from the city’s savings account to place a guarantee on the project. The council will also vote on authorizing other government agencies and contributors to participate in the plan. They will put up nearly two thirds of the $3 million.For the money to remain untouched by American Airlines, 40 passengers must be on each flight. Officials think this is possible because plenty of people from Mid-Missouri fly to Dallas and Chicago from both Kansas City and St. Louis.City Council members are confident in this plan despite American Airlines facing possible bankruptcy problems.”I am excited to have it, I think it’s a great asset to Columbia. It will help promote business to Columbia, the University will use it a lot bringing people in, and we offer a lot of things at this airport they don’t offer in St. Louis and Kansas City,” said Councilman Kespohl.