www.montereycountyweekly.com OCTOBER 12-18, 2023 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 13 Monterey Regional Airport, the county’s only commercial airport, serves over 400,000 passengers annually. But the terminal those passengers use, originally built in 1950 and expanded in 1973, is outdated. For years, MRY has operated commercial flights with a waiver from the Federal Aviation Administration. “Our current terminal building is too close to the existing taxiway and the taxiway is too close to the runway,” says Michael La Pier, the airport’s executive director. In 2020, the board of the Monterey Peninsula Airport District approved a master plan calling for a new terminal as well as other features for a more modern, FAA-compliant airport. Even before that, in 2019, the airport acquired three properties on Highway 68 with a $6.8 million FAA grant, anticipating new construction. In the years since, it’s been something of a waiting game. But the new terminal project, still in its infancy as far as design, got a big funding boost in September. MRY received $25 million in federal funds: $22 million to support tarmac improvements from the Airport Improvement Program, and $3 million toward terminal design from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. On Aug. 7, the MRY board approved a design contract with the firm Hellmuth, Obata & Kassabaum for a sustainable design concept that will be 62,000 square feet and will feature jet bridges or boarding ramps, rather than the current format in which passengers must walk to and from portable ramps. It’s also intended to include better flow of people in the ticketing area. Additional future improvements could also include the addition of customs service, which would allow direct international flights in and out of MRY. For now, private jets traveling internationally need to stop at another airport, increasing time and fuel costs. For example, to fly from Guadalajara to Monterey, a pilot may land in San Diego or Los Angeles to clear customs. “It’s more efficient, it’s better for the environment and it’s better customer service,” La Pier adds. While some changes remain in the future, passengers will start seeing updates soon. Tarmac construction, which is the first phase of the project, is set to start next month. The second phase is expected to cost $43 million. “Now that we’re in the new federal fiscal year, we’re hopeful we see a grant in the not-too-distant future for the second phase of the project,” La Pier says. These projects come on top of other recent changes to MRY’s facilities meant to improve service and comply with FAA regulations. That includes the upcoming opening of a new aircraft rescue and firefighting facility, and nearing completion on hangar replacement construction. For the latest improvements, MRY has spent over $60 million. There is also, meanwhile, continued commercial growth. On Oct. 4, MRY announced it plans to add a nonstop flight to Chicago thanks to a $750,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation. Flying High Grants bring Monterey Regional Airport one step closer to a new runway and terminal. By Celia Jiménez From May to July of 2023, MRY had its busiest summer and broke its record with 74,181 passengers—all boarding planes out of a terminal built in 1950. NEWS The new terminal project got a big funding boost. DANIEL DREIFUSS “I brought my Subaru to Hartzel on advice of a friend and I was so pleased with the service & attention I got from them. Not only finished on time, but under the estimate I was given. Very rare these days. So pleased with the whole experience & great peace of mind knowing it was done correctly. Highly recommend this guy.” —David F., Seaside 2/14/19 510 California Avenue | Sand City | 394.6002 www.hartzelautomotive.com EXPERT SERVICE WHEN YOU NEED IT. Subaru Mazda Lexus Infiniti Saab vintage MG SCHEDULE YOUR NEXT SERVICE ONLINE TODAY SHOWROOM DISPLAYS FOR SALE 70% OFF! Cabinets • Appliances • Hardware Accessories • Decorative Plumbing • Design services available • 1368 S. Main St C, Salinas Behind Stonies Tap House www.cabinetsandsuch.com (831) 422-9900 Inquiries: please email info@cabinetsandsuch.com or visit our showroom M-F 9-4pm Low cost vaccination clinic for dogs & cats. Microchipping. Prescription flea/tick medication. OPEN SAT 3:30PM-5:30PM • SUN 10AM-1PM El Ranchero poultry feed 80lb bag ONLY $30! 101 W. Laurel Dr, Salinas • (831)443-6161 Mon-Sat 9am-6pm Sun 10am-5pm $5 OFF Any purchase of $25 or more $10 OFF Any purchase of $50 or more $20 OFF Any purchase of $100 or more CANNOT BE COMBINED WITH OTHER OFFERS. LIMIT 1 COUPON PER CUSTOMER. NOT VALID ON HAY SHAVINGS, FRONTLINE/ADVANTAGE, OR SERESTO COLLARS. MUST PRESENT COUPON AT TIME OF PURCHASE. New Product Alert! Quality feed & pet supplies • DIY dog & cat vaccines • Premium hay at great prices
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