In March 2005, the Kansas City Aviation Department began a $69.6 million improvement project at Charles B. Wheeler Downtown Airport (MKC) that, over the next 20 years, will greatly enhance the safety of aircraft operations, maintain existing airfield and passenger terminal facilities and fuel economic growth at the general aviation airport well into the future. The renovations to the 80-year old airport will include an increased number of storage hangars, improved taxiways, ample ramp space and runway extensions, improving the overall quality of the MKC experience for its customers.