Lack of federal money slowing expansion of Rosecrans airport

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. -- A lack of federal dollars caused by the war in Iraq could halt planned construction and expansion for the 139th Airlift Wing at Rosecrans Memorial Airport in St. Joseph.

"At the current rate of construction, our 20-year plan to build a new base on the north end of the airport is becoming an 80-year plan," said Col. Stephen Cotter, the Wing commander.

Cotter said the cost of the war in Iraq limits the funds available for military construction in the United States, Cotter said.

Rosecrans airport is operated by the Missouri Air National Guard and the city of St. Joseph. The city gets about $155,000 a year from the military for use of the airport's runways and aprons.

The Guard wanted to build a new base that would be less prone to flooding at an estimated cost of $250 million.

One new building, an Air Traffic Control Training Center, opened on the site in 2007.

The second project was supposed to be a new fire station and some infrastructure to support the new base at an estimated cost of $10 million.

The National Guard Bureau found that cost too high until the infrastructure needs were explained, said Lt. Col. Grace Link, the base's civil engineer.

The Wing separated the fire station project into two projects that could be funded and built in two budget years, hoping that would reduce the cost and secure the necessary funding, Link said.

Even with the full support of Missouri's Adjutant General, funding hasn't become available, Cotter said.

Construction of a new fire station also could be slowed by a new problem. The concrete taxi area for the airplanes is beginning to develop cracks, said Mike Hurst, the city's airport manager.

The cracks appear to be on the surface rather than structural, said Bruce Woody, the city's public works director. Repairing the cracks will require a study and cost about $5 million, said Col. Norm Brosi, the mission support group commander.

Repairing the cracks will take priority over the fire house, Cotter said.

"Nothing is a sure thing," said Vince Capell, St. Joseph's city manager. "Overall the airport and its growth is still positive."