Administration Says Airport Revenue May Have Been 'Improperly Allocated'

The FAA has opened a review of payments made by Burlington International Airport (KBTV) to the city of South Burlington and the Burlington Department of Public Works for operation and management of a parking garage on the airport grounds.

Mayor Bob Kiss and interim airport director Bob McEwing received a letter from the FAA's New England Regional Office stating the airport "may have improperly allocated airport revenue for certain services that may have been ineligible" or prohibited by FAA rules.

Airport managers and the Airport Commission had raised objections to "fees for service" bills for the parking concession, which was reported by the Burlington Free Press. The FAA review came after those stories were published.

Along with the possible misuse of airport funds, the FAA said the airport may have "overpaid" the Public Works Department.

Mayor Kiss informed the City Council about the review through a spokesperson, who told the council in a letter that the city was working with the FAA to resolve the issue, and had retained an attorney who specializes in such cases.

The bills in question included one for $205,000 from South Burlington for unspecified "fees for services" for 2010-2011. The amount proposed for FY2012 was not disclosed. The probe is also looking at a $133,000 increase charged by the Public Works Department over the past 4 years.

The FAA said the inquiry could lead to a formal investigation.

FMI: www.faa.gov, www.sburl.com