A new mechanical system aimed at controlling access to paid parking at the Lewiston-Nez Perce County Regional Airport could be operational by next month.
The change is part of an overhaul approved this week at a meeting of the airport authority board.
Officials say as part of the new system, passengers will call a number posted at the entrances and exits of the lot to raise and lower the arms. The number will provide information about how to pay by text or email with forms of payment like credit cards.
Passengers will call the same number when they leave and be charged for the time they were in the lot, minus the first two or three hours that will be free.
Parking will cost $5 per day as it does now, with discounts for extended stays.
Customers will also be asked to pay a $1 fee each time they park. The $1 fee will go to Spaces USA, the company that is providing the new system.
The new system will eliminate the 15 to 40 passengers per day who get away with not paying for parking because the airport uses the honor system.
The new system is anticipated to make parking, which will generate about $210,000 this year, an even more lucrative source of revenue for the airport. (Lewiston Tribune)
