Wichita Council wants to hold off on new airport terminal

(WICHITA, Kan.) — The Wichita City Council wants to hold off on building a new airport terminal. During a workshop Tuesday, the council received and update on the proposed renovations at Mid-Continent Airport.  The airport advisory board wants to move forward with the $160 million project by putting it out for bid.

Council member Jeff Longwell says due to the economic situation in Wichita he's not sure the community can afford a new airport terminal.  He suggested the city hold off on bids until at least January.  He says they need to especially wait to see what happens with Hawker Beechcraft possibly leaving town.

The council agreed and the project will be put on hold.  Longwell says in the meantime, the city will monitor economic factors such as job growth and sales tax receipts.

Some airport advisory board members are concerned the cost of the project will go up if the city continues to hold off.  The new terminal is supposed to be paid primarily through passenger fees, revenue from airlines and grants.