Post date: Apr 1, 2024
Dear Valued Travelers,
I hope this letter finds you well and thriving in the wake of the challenges we've collectively faced over the past years. As the Director of the Tri-Cities Airport, I am pleased to share some positive developments and address certain concerns that have arisen as a result of our continued growth.
The impact of COVID-19 on our airport operations is now behind us, as evidenced by the bustling activity during the 2023 holiday season, which surpassed even our pre-COVID passenger numbers. This success, however, brought about some challenges, notably in the area of parking.
I want to express my sincere gratitude for your understanding and support during this period.
Acknowledging the concern surrounding holiday parking, I assure you that your voices have been heard. I understand the importance of careful planning and am committed to ensuring that your experience at Tri-Cities Airport remains smooth and efficient. Parking improvements are a priority for the airport, with plans already in motion to add between 200 and 400 additional surface parking stalls by the fall of 2024. This project was already planned for 2025, but due to the sharp rise in users this holiday season, this project has been moved forward one year.
While long-term plans include a multi-level parking structure, we recognize the immediate need to enhance surface parking. We are dedicated to making strategic investments that benefit our airport users promptly. Furthermore, improvements to parking kiosks and cashier lines are underway, utilizing advanced technology to streamline your experience.
To fund these enhancements and other airport projects, we have implemented a parking rate adjustment effective March 1, 2024. Long-term parking will increase from $10 to $12, and short-term parking from $13 to $16. This is the first parking rate increase in seven years and is equivalent to a CPI adjustment. The Tri-Cities Airport rates remain below the regional average.
It is essential to emphasize that as a self-funded entity, we do not collect any local property taxes but rely on the revenue generated by airport users. Your continued support allows us to invest in critical projects that will benefit you in the long run.
Looking ahead, we have over $120 million in terminal projects planned over the next 10-12 years, aimed at further improving your overall airport experience.
I am confident that with your support and the dedication of our team, the Tri-Cities Airport will remain at the forefront of aviation excellence. We appreciate the encouragement received from our passengers across the region, and we anticipate more exciting opportunities for direct flights and expanded destinations in the near future.
Thank you for choosing the Tri-Cities Airport. Your trust and loyalty drive our commitment to providing a world-class travel experience.
Sincerely,
Buck Taft
Director, Tri-Cities Airport