Sunday, September 15, 2013

Airport parking spaces are in demand and could generate county revenue: Jack Brooks Regional (KBPT), Beaumont/Port Arthur, Texas

12 News KBMT and K-JAC. News, Weather and Sports for SE Texas 

Jefferson County - 

The manager of the Jack Brooks Regional Airport says ridership has increased by 20% since American Airlines first started service over six months ago.

But 12News has learned of another transportation mode that could get airport revenue soaring.

Airport manager Alex Rupp has been contacted by Hotard, a charter bus company based in Louisiana.

It wants to lease airport property to set up a park and ride service for workers of the Cheniere project in Louisiana.

Rupp says, "I think that it has to do with minimizing the traffic in front of the plants, you put 50 or 60 guys on one bus versus 60 cars at the refinery."

He says it could mean $45,000 a year.  Rupp says the charter bus company is interested in three parking locations at the airport for a three year contract, which could net the county $135,000.

Rupp says, "I think it's a good opportunity for the airport to receive additional revenue and also get some people to the airport that have never been here before."

On Monday, Jefferson County Commissioners will vote on a letter of intent authorizing negotiations with the charter bus company to set up the park-and-ride service at the airport.

If the three-year-deal goes through, there could be up to six hundred cars parked at the airport on a daily basis.


Story, Video and Comments/Reaction:  http://www.12newsnow.com