Port KC has closed a loophole in its project financing system that allowed developers to pay lower wages than Missouri's prevailing wage standards. The rule requires Port KC contracts to mandate Missouri's minimum hourly pay for construction workers on bond-financed sale-leaseback projects, which vary by profession and county. This rule applies to projects exceeding $3 million, including logistics, industrial, data, and office projects totalling over $15 million. Port KC will audit worker pay and fine developers for every day a worker is underpaid, multiplied by the number of underpaid workers. However, critics argue that the rule could increase construction costs by up to 20% and hinder development.