KCRag Forum

"I seldom take sides on local issues," the billionaire wrote in his letter titled "Bring it to a vote." "Understandably, it can be off-putting to many to have a wealthy 92-year-old tell them what is good for their future. I’m going to make an exception on the streetcar issue."

"Public transit, it should be emphasized, makes sense as a matter of social equity. It requires subsidies, but it helps many," Buffett said. But streetcars, he added, "are expensive and have very limited utility."

"The population actually served is small and routes are inflexible. Residents can be far better served by extended or more intensive service by the bus system. As population, commerce and desired destinations shift, a bus system can be re-engineered. Streetcars keep mindlessly rolling on, fueled by large public subsidies. Mistakes are literally cast in cement."

GRID wrote: ↑Tue Jan 24, 2023 1:45 pm It would sure look at lot better in a city like KC. KC needs a new modern tower badly to compliment the rest of the skyline which has not changed in decades. It just sticks out in Omaha but now two is better than just having one large tower.

eomaha.com wrote: ↑Mon Jul 10, 2023 8:07 pm

GRID wrote: ↑Tue Jan 24, 2023 1:45 pm It would sure look at lot better in a city like KC. KC needs a new modern tower badly to compliment the rest of the skyline which has not changed in decades. It just sticks out in Omaha but now two is better than just having one large tower.

Realizing Omaha has a 478 footer, basically as tall as KC's 3rd tallest.. along with the First National Center. So, with Mutual tower, Omaha will certainly match KC's 3 tallest.

And in other news, tower crane is up.

https://youtu.be/IiOnyrtloD4

Latest Eppley Airfield $950 million expansion plan leaves room to grow

OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - The Omaha Airport Authority on Wednesday announced plans to significantly expand Eppley Airfield’s terminal at a cost of $950 million. The cost will include renovations. The plan will allow long-term growth.

The authority said passenger traffic demand has been on the rise. The year 2023 ended up being the second busiest in its history with more than 5 million passengers traveling through the airport. That exceeded pre-pandemic levels in 2019.

As part of the Build Terminal Modernization Program, the Omaha Airport Authority has entered into a contract with Holder Construction for the terminal expansion and renovation.


Courtesy: Omaha Airport Authority
Courtesy: Omaha Airport Authority(WOWT)
The details, some of which were previously announced, include expanding the 375,000 square feet in the terminal to 646,000 square feet. The current layout of two terminals will be changed into a single, unified concourse with a centralized TSA security screening checkpoint.

The number of gates will expand from 20 to 22 with the ability to add more gates as Eppley Airfield grows.

Two gates will be made capable of international flights with a new Customs and Border Protection international arrivals hall for passenger processing.

Passengers can also expect new and expanded restaurant and retail concessions after they clear the security checkpoint. The baggage claim area will be expanded as will the space for boarding areas at the gates.

That work is scheduled to be completed by 2028.

Meanwhile, work continues on the $65 million Terminal Drive and Canopy Project, which will provide another passenger drop-off lane, expand the ADA accessibility of the passenger pick-up and drop-off areas, and provide cover from weather.

That project is scheduled for completion by Spring 2025.

TheSmokinPun wrote: ↑Wed Jan 17, 2024 6:49 pm I know we love to complain about our bi-state issues but having your airport disconnected not only from your city but your state by old borders of an oxbow lake is pretty weird. Gotta be a huge pain for transit and everything involved for them.

SingleMalt12 wrote: ↑Wed Jan 17, 2024 9:25 pm

TheSmokinPun wrote: ↑Wed Jan 17, 2024 6:49 pm I know we love to complain about our bi-state issues but having your airport disconnected not only from your city but your state by old borders of an oxbow lake is pretty weird. Gotta be a huge pain for transit and everything involved for them.

It would be if the above was true

It isn't

Try Google Maps

TheSmokinPun wrote: ↑Thu Jan 18, 2024 2:53 pm

SingleMalt12 wrote: ↑Wed Jan 17, 2024 9:25 pm

TheSmokinPun wrote: ↑Wed Jan 17, 2024 6:49 pm I know we love to complain about our bi-state issues but having your airport disconnected not only from your city but your state by old borders of an oxbow lake is pretty weird. Gotta be a huge pain for transit and everything involved for them.

It would be if the above was true

It isn't

Try Google Maps

You can go around the long way but the straight shot from downtown is blocked off. I look at maps too. It's still a logistic nightmare for them.