Group seeks vote on KC airport plans

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) - A group has delivered more signatures on a petition aimed at forcing a public vote on a proposal to rebuild major parts of Kansas City International Airport.

Citizens for Responsible Government/Friends of KCI delivered nearly 1,600 more petition signatures to City Hall on Monday, The Kansas City Star reported (http://bit.ly/1jEb9ms ).

Earlier this month, the group delivered a petition signed by about 3,800 people asking that a referendum be placed on the April ballot. They needed 3,573 valid signatures from registered Kansas City voters for the petition to be considered, but the election board said several hundred signatures did not qualify. The group needed 574 more valid signatures. The signatures delivered Monday now have to be checked by the election board.

"The petition doesn't really say whether we're for or against the new airport," said Dan Coffey, a spokesman for the group. "The petition says that the voters ought to have a say - that it shouldn't just be in the hands of the City Council and Aviation Department to spend $1.5 billion."

A proposal to demolish two of KCI's three terminals and rebuild the airport as a single-terminal facility has become contentious. Proponents say the proposed airport would offer better security, more parking and more retail options. They also say it would save on the cost of repairs to the 40-year-old airport.

Opponents say the current airport suffices, and they like its ease and convenience. They also say while the current airport may need significant upgrades, demolishing and rebuilding is unnecessary and would also be costly.

Mayor Sly James has formed a citizens' KCI Terminal Advisory Group to examine options. The advisory group is led by architect Bob Berkebile and Dave Fowler, a former managing director of KPMG, the audit, tax and advisory firm.

"They are doing a thoughtful and diligent job," City Hall spokesman Chris Hernandez said Monday.

The advisory group is expected to have its recommendation in April.