MUST READ!!! GROUNDBREAKING EXPOSÉ UNCOVERS BIG MONEY STL AIR CARGO FACILITY "FLEECING" AND A SECOND-CLASS KANSAS CITY CONNECTION!!!
Mike Webber has a great understanding of the Air Cargo biz and his recent reporting on the $400 million STL facility described as an "Aerotropolis Too Far," is simply a MUST READ!!!
Just like most development schemes . . . The economic promises and utility of this project are suspect.
But even more importantly for this town, his reporting and analysis reveals. . .
WHILE IT MIGHT BE A BOONDOGGLE, KANSAS CITY WAS COMPLETELY OVERLOOKED IN THIS IMPENDING MISSOURI AIR-CARGO FACILITY HOT MESS!!!
Webber's explanation is better:
"Given that Kansas City International Airport is roughly equivalent to St. Louis in cargo volumes (having led St. Louis until 2009), is further from Chicago in terms of offering a discrete alternative and has always been perceived by the air cargo industry as much more cargo-friendly, folks in the western half of the state should be infuriated at statewide tax dollars being directed at St. Louis . . . Not that Kansas City should be given another $400 million but rather this idea is a non-starter on both sides of the state."
Kansas City coming in second to STL is nothing new around here and part of the status quo in this town . . . Nevertheless, the article has been edited and published in a New York-based freight publication and according to Webber the report has not gained any interest from the KC Star or KC Business Journal.
Local politicos overlook this kind of IMPORTANT INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISM at their own peril, and it's troubling that $400 million of taxpayer cash to support a competitor across the state doesn't arouse any concern from either our local legislators or local business media.
KCI didn't want it.
ReplyDeleteAir cattle? Seriously. I'm surprised KC didn't provide even more subsidy.
ReplyDeleteThe sky is falling! The sky is falling!
ReplyDeleteTony, the king of the one-handed Web surf (Jordan Carver keeps his other one busy), talks about investigative journalism!!!
ReplyDeleteGod, what a fucking hoot this site is. Funnier every day and yet, in some ways, so much sadder, as well. Great work, T!
Typical. The elected officials, and beauracrats in Kansas City never understand that when St. Louis takes from the State Treasury, without reducing other appropriations they receive, St. Louis is getting a massive subsidy mostly paid for by KC. No wonder we can't compete with Kansas. And the Jeff City folks know they can count on KC to just bend over. Thanks Jolie Justus, Victor C, Mike Talboy, Janson Kander and all you other worthless representatives.
ReplyDeleteAnd while you are at it, Sly, fire all the current KC lobbyists...they ain't worth a damn!
a non-starter indeed
ReplyDeleteMark Van Loh is arrogant as hell and over rated. He and Bill Skaggs traveled the world while obviously asleep at the switch. Russ Johnson needs to stay in town, harness Marks ego and get things done.
ReplyDeleteYep, this was on Skaggs watch. KC could have used that money Bill. Remember this voters when you vote for State Senator.
ReplyDelete11:04 well said: As with all of the previous Aviation Directors they're more bold, lazy and arrogant as time goes on. They treat most people like serfs, lie to the Council and the Manager and will do anything to keep their Council "protector" (previously Skaggs now Johnson) well traveled and rewarded with perks. Trips to Europe and Asia are very common.
ReplyDeleteIt's the most corrupt and disingenuous department in the city (with its own lawyer and PR Department) with the current unbelievable plan to spend BILLIONS of dollars on a new airport and/or sell the department to a private company, a company where Van Loh and Skaggs would have key and very well paid roles.
YOU HEARD IT HERE....
If the money had gone to MCI then it would have made it much more difficult to make the case to privatize, if that is what you want. "We didn't put $xxx million into the airport just to give it away to private interests!" the naysaying public would shout.
ReplyDeleteBetter to have an expensive expansion plan that taxpayers will refuse to fund and position it as "crucial" for the future viability of the airport. Then, the private takeover entity is an angel. "We can't thank you enough for taking this stone-of-an-airport off of our necks and tax rolls, and keeping it open for us. You have saved air travel and air cargo in Kansas City" they will say.
The terminals that are there are wasting resources constantly. 3 terminals means 3 times the bathrooms, restaraunts, and everything else! 1 terminal would improve the flow and in the end be less expensive! People need to give Mark Van Loh more credit for doing his job and doing it well.
ReplyDelete