KCI debate will come up for air at a Thursday KCMO Council session

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Ever since airline representatives agreed with city officials that renovating Kansas City International Airport would be more expensive than building a single terminal — and not backing up that claim with numbers of any kind — the KCI issue has remained dormant publicly.

The public might get a better sense of where KCI’s future lies during a Thursday business session of the Kansas City, Missouri, City Council. Cost comparisons may be discussed during tomorrow’s hearing (12:30 p.m. on the 10th floor of City Hall, or online here.)

Thursday’s meeting will be the first substantive discussion of KCI since a new City Council was sworn in four months ago. The council’s Airport Committee went on a tour of KCI in September, led by Aviation Department Director Mark VanLoh. There were pointed questions from council members then, and there should be again on Thursday.

I’ve heard that Assistant City Manager Pat Klein will lead Thursday’s discussion on behalf of the city. Given the Aviation Department’s track record with forthrightness and transparency on the KCI issue, that’s probably for the best.