MTAA FUNDING

Previously, the Metropolitan Topeka Airport Authority only had authority to issue up to $1 million in general obligation bonds without putting the matter to a public vote. The Authority needs considerably more than that to make much-needed infrastructure and facility improvements at Forbes Field and Billard Airport. Thanks to the Shawnee County legislative delegation, in particular Senator Brenda Dietrich, the legislature has increased the MTAA’s bonding authority to $10 million. For bonding in excess of that amount, the MTAA will require approval of the Shawnee County Commission. This bill is part of a broader strategy to leverage Topeka’s aviation assets to attract new industry and development.