Lee’s Summit EDC Board of Directors gives public vote of support to single-terminal KCI plan

Lee’s Summit, MO— Oct. 17, 2017— The Lee’s Summit Economic Development Council’s October Advisory Board luncheon was the first stop for the Kansas City Area Development Council as it kicked off its “Better KCI” campaign ahead of Kansas City’s Nov. 7 special election. By Missouri statute, public finance projects require approval of voters in the construction jurisdiction, but improvements to KCI have regional business and tourist implications.

“KCI is Kansas City’s front door to the world, and we must maintain our status as a top destination….” KCADC President and CEO Tim Cowden told LSEDC investors. “The truth is that KCI as it is now configured is losing flights to St. Louis.”

Cowden hit the speaking circuit in October to educate business and citizen groups about the positive economic impact of a new single-terminal configuration at KCI, including the addition of international nonstop service required by many companies seeking new locations.

“Since opening in 1972, passenger travel out of KCI has nearly tripled. The current terminal configuration predates things like airline deregulation and post 9/11 security requirements,” Cowden said.

Edgemoor Infrastructure Managing Director Geoff Stricker joined Cowden at the LSEDC’s monthly advisory board luncheon, updating investors on the design and bid process for the $1 billion single terminal project.

“LSEDC recognizes that KCI is the ‘front door’ for the entire Kansas City region,” said Lee’s Summit EDC President Rick McDowell. “That’s why the LSEDC Board of Directors has overwhelmingly voted to support KCI’s single-terminal concept.”

Check out the Better KCI video produced by KCADC here.

Resolution for Support, LSEDC Board

For More Information:

Tina Chace | tchace@leessummit.org | 816-525-6617
Krista Klaus | kklaus@leessummit.org | 913-284-5752