Clayton, MO (KTRS) A public hearing of the House Special Committee on Urban issues was held on Wednesday in Clayton.
The purpose of the hearing was to address a wide variety of issues impacting minorities. One of those issues was the privatizing St. Louis Lambert International Airport.
Representative Courtney Curtis, who chairs the committee, said he’s open to the idea, but first wants to ensure that it will offer opportunities for minorities.
“My purpose is asking questions just to make sure that we protect the people around the airport and ensure that minorities open access to https://ktrs.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=58557&action=editbe able to compete in the RFP process and ensure that once privatization comes, if it does, that the businesses and entities that work there are protected as well.” said Curtis.
Earlier this year, the FAA gave approval to the city’s preliminary application to participate in the Airport Privatization Pilot Program.
Sarah Steelman, who serves at the Commissioner to the Office Of Administration, spoke about the financial barriers minorities and women face when starting a business. Steelman reported that she has consulted with the Governor’s Innovation Task Force on this matter.
“One of the initiatives is for micro-financing in urban and rural areas, so figuring out a way to make more capital available for businesses to get started.” Steelman explained.
The competing bids among St. Louis and Kansas City for the new Amazon headquarters and campus safety were among the other topics discussed during the hearing.
