By Matt Sepic, KWMU
St. Louis – Lambert Airport Director Leonard Griggs is hoping to get another $100 million in federal funding for the airport's runway expansion, and will meet with FAA officials Friday.
Griggs says American Airlines' cuts, the September 11th attacks, and the national recession are resulting in a major drop in passenger fees.
"In order to get this thing done on time, we need some relief on this thing," Griggs said. "The American action has cut back severely the capability of this airport to generate the cash flow. The bonds and all the rest are protected, I'm not worried about that, but it's getting this runway done in a timely fashion."
The runway, known as W-1W, is scheduled for completion in 2006, though the terminal expansion is on hold indefinitely.