KCI AIRPORT: PROGRESS AND DISAPPOINTMENT

What.jpg

In early 2019, an enormous project broke ground: Kansas City was building a new, $1.5 billion airport. Kansas City International Airport would transition to a new, modern, single-terminal airport. Built over an unused terminal at the current airport, the new airport will offer 39 gates across over one million square feet. What’s more, it was pitched as inclusive and transformative, with 35% of the construction work going to firms owned by minorities and women. More specifically, Edgemoor, the project developer, pledged 20% for minorities and 15% for women.

That is a beautiful goal. It’s also one that has not happened. Currently, only 19% of the construction contracts have gone to minority- and women-owned businesses: 9% to minorities and 10% to women. While the project has yet to be completed, much of it has already been awarded. In addition, Edgemoor and others in charge are not being forthcoming with how they will meet the 35% goal. 

A couple months ago, a simple request was made. City Councilwoman Teresa Loar asked for a list of winning firms and any minority- or women-owned subcontractors on their teams, in order to check on the 35% goal progress. Aviation Director Pat Klein called it an “astronomical request” and said it risked breaking the project budget and timeline. This leads to the question of who is working on the airport project and is anyone trying to honor that honorable 35% goal?

It’s a question worth asking. As women and minorities, we have learned time and again that our voices cannot be heard unless we use them. We must ask the questions and demand the answers. Women and minorities need opportunities. When potential opportunities are taken from them, we must stand up and speak out. It’s not enough to make promises; the promises must be carried out and upheld. 

Women and minorities are getting left out of the largest infrastructure project in Kansas City history. But their voice is small compared to the contractors association, project leads and others who are shutting them out. So we are questioning. And we encourage you to share this article, to talk with others and to question, always question.

maggie laubscher