By AP/KWMU
St. Louis, MO – St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay has asked three business groups to head a task force to study Lambert Airport's future.
Slay wants the groups to look at what the area can do to attract and retain flights and jobs at the airport.
American Airlines announced plans last month to cut more than 200 daily flights from its schedule in November. Since then, six carriers have added 14 new flights.
Civic Progress, the Regional Business Council and the St. Louis Regional Chamber and Growth Association will be in charge of the 17-member airport task force.
The retired head of May Department Stores, David Farrell, will be the chairman.
In the summer of 2001, Lambert Airport began a major expansion project. The centerpiece is the addition of a third runway.
Also on Wednesday, the Federal Aviation Administration announced plans to give Lambert more than $4 million to upgrade runway lights at Lambert Airport.
The new markers and signs are designed to meet recommendations from the National Transportation Safety Board.
Lambert officials are also awaiting word on a $100 million dollar grant request to help finance the new runway.