Passenger Fee Increase Planned at East Texas Regional Airport

LONGVIEW — On a 4-1 vote, Gregg County commissioners on Monday began a process to increase passenger fees at East Texas Regional Airport by $1.50 per person in 2013. KETK and the Longview News-Journal report that for almost 10 years, passengers using the airport have paid a $3 fee, with the money going to the local match required for Federal Aviation Authority grants. The FAA traditionally funds 95% of projects, such as a recently completed parking lot upgrade and a coming terminal renovation. The county pitches in 5%.

“It looks like the federal government is getting ready to up the matching funds from 5 percent to 10 percent,” County Judge Bill Stoudt said. “So all the airports are changing the fee.” Stoudt and Airport Manager Rick Davis said the fee, called a Passenger Facility Charge, would not change until the court conducts a public hearing and votes on a resolution to raise it. “We’re considering going up to $4.50,” Davis said. “It’s not a done deal that we’re going to. … Everyone in the industry tells us we should go up to $4.50.” In objecting to the potential fee increase, Commissioner Darryl Primo said it could discourage people from choosing the local airport.