Sponsor seeks 10-year extension of jet-fuel sales-tax exemption tied to Lambert Airport redevelopment

Representative George Haruza told the committee House Bill 32 49 would extend the sunset on a sales-tax exemption for jet fuel, arguing that the exemption helps secure airline investment tied to a large redevelopment at Lambert International Airport. "This bill simply asks for a, extension from, 2033 to 2043," Haruza said during his presentation.

Haruza said the exemption has been in place in some form since May 10, 1993, and listed prior extensions in 2003, 2008, 2013 and 2023. He described an early-phase airline commitment of $115 million for initial stages and described the full redevelopment as a roughly $3 billion project that airlines and airport stakeholders expect to support.

Questions from members focused on who is eligible (Haruza said it is available to common carriers, not private planes) and on how the funding into the airport-improvement fund is calculated. Jorgen Schleymeyer of Greater Saint Louis Inc. testified in favor, calling the extension a reasonable continuation of a 30-year exemption and supporting the region’s ability to attract airline investment.

No witnesses registered opposition in committee testimony.