City Ponders What’s Next For Overhaul Base

KANSAS CITY, Mo. --

What to do with the American Airlines overhaul base topped the agenda at the City Council meeting on Thursday.

A day after American Airlines announced it was closing the base down in September 2010, city officials were briefed by officials from the city's aviation department about the fate of the base. The two key issues are finding a new tenant and making sure the city gets paid for the remaining years left on the lease with American.

American Airlines still owes the city $23.5 million for time remaining on the lease. Aviation officials said they have assurances that the city will get paid.

While there was no definitive word on who the new tenant might be for the 7 million square foot super hangar, officials said they were not limiting the to domestic companies.

Council members got some good news on two fronts. The Council heard from airline officials that 88 percent of the 419 workers displaced by the base closure will be eligible for retirement packages. The Kansas City Chamber of Commerce's 2010 forecast predicted the city's economic output will be higher than the rest of the country.

"The fact Kansas City is doing better is good news in this economy and when we compare ourselves nationally," said councilwoman Cathy Jolly. "Certainly that's good news. It will be a challenge, but one clearly Kansas City will meet."

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