By AP/KWMU
St. Louis, Mo. – Lambert Airport officials have approved more than $26 million in consulting contracts since September 11th.
Critics are questioning such spending in a time of airline cutbacks. Much of the consulting relates to the current construction of a new runway.
But Lambert has also turned to private companies for advice on bolstering security, managing noise pollution, and even improving the looks of reports and brochures.
Critics are also wondering why money still flows to the future runway when airlines are currently cutting schedules because of fewer passengers. But Lambert says the money is in the bank, so construction will proceed.