San Diego Airport Plans 3,000-Space Parking Garage

The San Diego County Regional Airport Authority Board of Directors today set in motion a plan to construct a three-story parking garage near Terminal 2.

The 3,000-space structure would provide more parking room for the terminal, which was recently expanded. Also, Terminal 1 is expected to be renovated in the near future, so the garage would pick up the slack for any spaces lost due to construction.

"Our need for more close-in parking is clear," said Airport Authority President and CEO Thella Bowens. "Our single lowest customer satisfaction rating is for availability of parking. Building this (garage) will enhance customer service, especially for the business traveler for whom convenient, close-in parking is a priority."

Airport Authority staff still need to complete design work and get approval from the California Coastal Commission. They expect it could be about three years from now before the structure opens.

The garage project is part of the airport's master plan, adopted in 2008, but required separate approvals.

The current surface lot outside Terminal 2 contains 1,400 spaces. The future structure could get built in a way that allows it to be expanded by an additional two floors and 2,000 slots.

—City News Service