Finding a way to pay for airport upgrades
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TRI-CITIES, Wash. - Airport officials need to get their hands on at least $25 million dollars in the next year. Federal money will only about half of the costs.
The Port may look to borrow $8 million in bonds. Those would be paid back by a higher cost for airline tickets.
Airport reps say this is a necessary upgrade.
Jim Toomey, executive director of the Port of Pasco said, "It's not just business as usual at the airport. This is a once in a generation improvement to the Tri-Cities, to the terminal, as well as the taxiways and runways."
Officials say the faster they do the work, the faster they can get more airlines and flights to service the region.
The Port may look to borrow $8 million in bonds. Those would be paid back by a higher cost for airline tickets.
Airport reps say this is a necessary upgrade.
Jim Toomey, executive director of the Port of Pasco said, "It's not just business as usual at the airport. This is a once in a generation improvement to the Tri-Cities, to the terminal, as well as the taxiways and runways."
Officials say the faster they do the work, the faster they can get more airlines and flights to service the region.
