By Matt Sepic, KWMU
St. Louis, Mo. – The FAA has announced Lambert Airport will get another 85 million dollars for its runway expansion project.
The money comes a month after American Airlines made major cuts in its flight schedule-putting a significant dent in St. Louis airport's revenue.
Still, Airport Director Leonard Griggs says its important that the billion-dollar project continue.
"As long as this economy can grow and we can demonstrate financial responsibility to this airport, this traffic will be restored, and we'll be able to show to the commercial market of the United States: Come to St. Louis. It's a great place to invest in," Griggs said.
Revenue bonds make up the largest portion of the runway construction budget. Other government grants and passenger fees from airlines are covering the rest.
But fee revenue dropped along with passenger numbers after the September 11th attacks.