PORT AUTHORITY Airport to seek extra fee

The fees are charged at 99 percent of airports across the country.
By ED RUNYAN
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
VIENNA -- The Western Reserve Port Authority said Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport can seek Federal Aviation Administration permission to add a surcharge of between $3 and $4.50 per passenger.
The money, known as a Passenger Facility Charge, is in place at 99 percent of airports across the county. Such a charge is designed to make improvements at airports that would benefit passengers, said Steve Bowser, airport director of aviation.
The PFC would provide about $500,000 over four to eight years, airport officials estimate. The money is collected by adding it to the cost of an airline ticket and is turned over to the airport by the airlines. The fees would go into effect in 60 to 90 days.
The seven projects being proposed are:
UConstruction of restrooms in the secured area of the airport terminal. Now, passengers needing the restroom must leave the secured area to use a restroom and then pass through security a second time.
UImprovement and expansion of seating in the secured area.
UPurchase of a ground power unit to power various parts of an aircraft while the aircraft's engines are not operating.
UInstallation of air conditioning in the jet bridge, which passengers pass through to get on the plane from the terminal.
UTerminal curb and sidewalk replacement and roof overhang column repairs.
UPFC program administration.
UPFC audit costs.
Other business
Also at Wednesday's meeting, the port authority approved an agreement with its engineering consultants, R.W. Armstrong of Cleveland, for the company to earn $166,000 for projects it will carry out over the next year or so. About 95 percent of the work done by R.W. Armstrong is paid for with FAA funding, Bowser said.
The projects include:
UA study of the airfield's electrical system to determine whether the airport can save money by installing more energy-efficient lights.
UA study of the condition of airport paving.
UPreparation of the PFC application.
UClearing of Runway 5 of trees and other obstructions.
In other business:
UBowser reported that installation of the state-of-the-art ASR-11 radar system should be completed in the next couple weeks. It is expected to go into use in January.
UBowser reported that Allegiant flights between the local airport and the Sanford/Orlando International Airport the past couple of weeks have been 95 percent full.
UWinner Aviation will begin operating a ticket counter for Allegiant Air in the terminal from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Mondays and Fridays, and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday -- starting today.
UMikeee's Restaurant will hold a grand opening inside the airport terminal Friday. Parking is free for restaurant patrons.
UPittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics will begin classes Aug. 31 in a hangar at the airport for aviation maintenance technicians.
runyan@vindy.com