Second Round Of Polling Shows Continued Preference For Private Financing Option And Selection Of Local Firm

A new second round of polling shows a majority of likely Kansas City, Missouri, voters now support a new single-terminal KCI airport. The survey of more than 1,300 Kansas City registered voters conducted Aug. 13-14 across all Kansas City Council Districts showed that 44 percent now support a new terminal while 35 percent oppose and 21 percent are unsure.

Support has grown by six percentage points since an earlier survey in June while opposition has dropped by five points, for a total swing of 11 percentage points.

The survey also showed the voting public is clear on what types of airport proposals it is willing to support – a proposal that includes airport revenue bonds for this project will not and cannot pass.

"We were pleased to see that the Citizens of Kansas City are getting more excited about the possibility of a New KCI. However, it is clear that their positive support is highly dependent on a private financing option and a hometown solution," said Ron Coker, Senior Vice President, Burns & McDonnell.

The Kansas City Council is currently considering three possible options on ballot language being considered for a November vote. Only the two options which allow private financing are viable in the eyes of Kansas City voters.

When asked about ballot language associated with a current initiative petition, 57 percent approved, while 22 percent were opposed, and 21 percent were undecided.

When asked about ballot language currently being considered by Council stipulating simply whether all costs of construction and demolition should be paid by the City from operations of the airport and related facilities, 38 percent supported, while 35 percent opposed and 27 percent were undecided.

When asked about ballot language stipulating that the City would issue and sell $990 million in airport revenue bonds to finance the project, only 26 percent of respondents supported, while 42 percent opposed and 32 percent were undecided.

(Source: Burns/McDonnell news release)

FMI: www.burnsmcd.com