Engler says airport needs new form of oversight

Gov. John Engler said he wants Detroit Metropolitan Airport to be run by an appointed authority instead of the Wayne County government.

Engler offered no details, but said studies have shown that the airport "is an expensive operation" that needs better management.

His remarks came Sept. 10 to the Economic Club of Detroit. He said, however, that the county should first complete the airport's new midfield terminal and renovations on other facilities.

He doesn't want the state to take control of the airport.

"It's a delicate balancing act," he said of switching control of the facility, which has been under fire for cost overruns and questionable contracts.

Deputy Wayne County Executive Mary Zuckerman said the county opposes any kind of separate authority to operate Metro Airport - even a county-appointed body. The airport currently is owned and run by Wayne County.

Zuckerman said an authority would be less accountable to Wayne County residents than the elected county executive and county commission, which now oversees the airport's management.

"An authority would have the same issues we have to deal with as a county," Zuckerman said. "We realize we have an antiquated airport that cannot deal with the capacity we have today, which is why we've been working to redevelop the airport."

As proposed, the authority could include a person appointed by Wayne County, airline representatives, a regional representative and a person appointed by the governor.

Officials say they want to make sure the airport is well run.

Investigators have been probing millions of dollars in airport concession, construction and consulting contracts. Concerns include contracts awarded or repeatedly renewed without competitive bids, poor contract monitoring, lengthy delays and cost overruns.

The Detroit News reported Sept. 11 that state Sen. Glenn Steil, R-Grand Rapids, and Senate Majority Leader Dan DeGrow, R-Port Huron, were expected to announce their latest plan soon.

"A complete takeover is probably not warranted," Steil said. However, "this airport, unless it has some different direction and leadership, even with a new terminal that will be wonderful, is going to deteriorate very fast."

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