Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker is expected to propose in his 2009 budget to be released next month that the county fund a study on the privatization of Mitchell International Airport.
Walker has floated the idea that he says could raise $1 billion. The idea has not generated much support among county board members and some have raised questions over its viability given the struggles of the airline industry, including high fuel costs.
Walker said in published reports he might seek funding for a consultants’ study that would be funded with airport revenues. Walker recently talked with Chicago officials who are currently reviewing the qualifications of teams interested in bidding on the right to operate Midway Airport under a long-term lease for an up-front payment that some have said could raise $3 billion. Chicago would use the funds to shore up its pensions and fund infrastructure projects.
Walker has said he would use funds from a lease for transit, offsetting the need for a sales tax increase that some are pushing. The county board has approved placing on the November ballot a referendum seeking a 1% increase in the sales tax but Walker vetoed it. The board will attempt an override at a meeting on Sept. 4.
