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Some Mo. lawmakers grumble about Aerotropolis proposal

Lambert-St. Louis International Airport
(via Flickr/dbking)
Lambert-St. Louis International Airport

While Missouri legislative leaders have reached an agreement on an economic development package, some lawmakers are speaking out against it.

The key component is the so-called Aerotropolis measure, which would provide $360 million in tax credits to transform Lambert Airport in St. Louis into an international air cargo hub.

Democratic House Member Jeanette Mott Oxfordof St. Louis says there needs to be a feasibility study conducted by an independent source.

"I want some good, independent data provided by somebody other than cheerleaders for the project, which is the only thing I've received so far," Oxford said.

The plan's critics come from both sides of the aisle.  In a letter to constituents, Republican Senator Jason Crowell of Cape Girardeau described the Aerotropolis proposal as a wasteful bailout.  The measure will be the key issue of an upcoming special session, tentatively scheduled for September.

 

Marshal was a political reporter for St. Louis Public Radio until 2018.