By Matt Sepic, KWMU
St. Louis – The city of Bridgeton and Lambert Airport are settling their differences over the airport's recent runway expansion.
Airport Director Kevin Dolliole and Bridgeton Mayor Conrad Bowers announced Wednesday that they've tentatively agreed to resolve all the legal issues surrounding the buyout.
Specifically, the two sides agreed to exchange land, so Bridgeton can put in a new park.
The airport will also take over the old Bridgeton City Hall, which is next to the runway. The city wants to build a new municipal complex farther away.
Mayor Bowers said the runway is a reality, and it's time to move on.
"Regardless of how we felt in the past, the actions we took in the past, that's done, that's history," Bowers said. "We're moving ahead as a city. We're moving ahead as a municipal airport, and I am pleased with the progress."
The deal still needs approval from both the Bridgeton City Council and the St. Louis Board of Aldermen.
The airport bought and tore down more than 2,000 homes and businesses to make way for the $1.01 billion project. The runway opened last spring.