UTT Battles Parking Problem

TYLER — There’s a parking problem at UT-Tyler. Students tell KETK they paid more than $45 for a parking permit this year. But some of them say they’re being forced to park off-campus because the campus is about 400 parking places short. UTT President Dr. Rodney Mabry emailed students and KETK about the problem last week. In it, he says an underestimated increase in enrollment helped create the troubles. Mabry also says the university lost quite a number of spaces when the city eliminated some street parking.

Mabry says the university is currently working to fix the problem, but some students say it’s ridiculous. One says he has to get to school 45 minutes early so he won’t be late for class. According to school officials, building 200 more spaces could cost as much as $1 million. Unfortunately, they say, the school is under budget constraints — but they say they have a plan in place.