The City of Manhattan took the first steps toward a $4.9 million expansion of the Manhattan Regional Airport parking lot. The City Commission unanimously approved authorizing administration to request bids at its Tuesday meeting. Parking expansion has been in the city’s plans for years, which Airport Director Jesse Romo says is warranted. He says they exceeded their current capacity of more than 700 spots this past Christmas with enplanements increasing yearly. The temporary gravel surfaces also have suffered following multiple storms and portions of paved surfaces are failing as well, with failure estimates in at least one lot at more than 30 percent. Romo also says they hope to solve lighting issues as well as remove trip and fall hazards from their lots.“Please look at this as an investment in an asset rather than just an expense,” says Airport Advisory Board Chair David Rogers, who spoke during public comment. “It is an asset that will pay for itself, and it’s the first impression of a wonderful terminal that has great service.”
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