Columbia city leaders have gathered more than $3 million in pledges to help attract a new airline to the Columbia Regional Airport through a new project.

The goal of Columbia’s “40 in 2020” project is to have 40% of Mid-Missouri airline passengers using the Columbia Regional Airport by the year 2020.

Only 10% of those passengers use the airport right now.

Columbia Mayor Bob McDavid said the pledges come from the City of Columbia, Boone County Government, the University of Missouri and area business through the Columbia Chamber of Commerce.

McDavid said the $3 million would go into an escrow account to show commitment to a potential new airline.

McDavid hopes to eventually refund the escrow money after a new airline is up and running.

McDavid said, “We have a great relationship with Delta.  We’re going to have three flights daily in Atlanta Hartsford-Jackson Airport starting in March.  The second busiest airport is Chicago O’Hare.  The third busiest airport is Los Angeles.  The fourth busiest airport is Dallas/Fort Worth.  That gives you a place to start.  You can see what our focus is.”

McDavid will speak before Jefferson City leaders tonight and ask them for a pledge of $100,000 for the “40 in 2020” project.