Provo Airport in Utah is proposing a significant expansion to accommodate increasing passenger demand. The airport officials aim to add new gates and renovate its facilities, but this ambitious plan hinges on receiving approval from local residents. The proposed expansion would include the addition of six new gates—three on the north side and three on the south—effectively tripling the airport’s current capacity.
Airport officials are requesting $20 million in bond funding to kickstart this initiative. Jared Penrod, the engineering and planning manager for Provo Airport, explained that the funds are not entirely new. “The airport project is funded; we already have funds that have been dedicated to this project,” Penrod stated. The financing is partially sourced from a quarter-cent sales tax allocated for transportation, which would be used to repay the bond if it is approved.
The expansion aims to enhance passenger experience by increasing space for concessionaires and storage for airlines and rental services. “It’s roughly three times bigger than what it is now,” Penrod noted. Local resident Gordon Felesina expressed support for the project, saying, “Having the airport here has been really beneficial; it’s made traveling back home to California a lot easier.” Felesina also highlighted the current limitations of the airport, which can make securing flights challenging.
The proposed expansion is a direct response to the growing demand for air travel from Provo Airport. Passengers are increasingly choosing the airport for its competitive fares and less stressful experience compared to larger airports.
A public hearing regarding the expansion is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on March 5, 2024, during the Provo City Council meeting. Local stakeholders anticipate that the discussion will attract significant interest, as the expansion is seen as a potential catalyst for economic growth. Felesina believes that the project will not only improve travel options but will also contribute positively to the local economy, stating, “It brings a lot of industry and a lot of people, and it usually ends up just growing the overall economy in the city.”
As the public hearing approaches, the community remains engaged in discussions about the future of Provo Airport and its role in enhancing accessibility for travelers.
