Kansas City, Mo. ? The Wheeler Downtown Airport, already scheduled for a major capital improvement program, is planning to build a $20 million aircraft hangar complex.

The Kansas City Aviation Department announced the plans Thursday, which call for razing the existing Aero Centre building and 40 hangars at the 79-year-old facility to make way for the new expansion.

Aviation Director Mark Van Loh said funding for the project will come from Aviation Department funds, federal and state grants and the pending sale of Richards-Gebauer Airport. No taxes or bond issues will be necessary.

“When you spend a half-million dollars on an airplane, you don’t want it sitting outside,” Van Loh said. “That’s why we have seen pilots move to (other airports) over the years.”

The plan includes a 40,000-square-foot multi-use building with a pilot’s lounge, weather center and restaurant. There will also be a fueling station that will allow travelers to pump their own fuel.

The airport’s dilapidated hangars will be replaced with 112 small-plane hangars, 13 large hangars and an aircraft wash area.

There will also be 10 outdoor tie-down spots, which are popular with out-of-town pilots on short stays.

The project is separate from a $69.6 million capital improvement program that calls for resurfacing runways and making electrical upgrades.

Officials hope to begin construction in the spring, but are awaiting City Council approval before selecting a contractor.