OGDEN — Before Ogden can bring commercial jet service to Ogden-Hinckley Airport, it needs a little upgrade.
The city council voted to amend the 2012-2016 capital improvement plan to include a project that would expand the airport’s terminal by constructing a 4,000- to 5,000-square-foot building on the northwest corner of the existing terminal building.
Under the proposal, the city will transfer $60,000 from the CIP contingency account to the administrative planning account to fund the project.
Airport Manager Royal Eccles said to get the project under way, the city needs money to proceed with the project’s design.
The airport currently accommodates all segments of the aviation industry except passenger service. General aviation, air cargo, military, corporate, emergency medical and agricultural users are all seen at Ogden-Hinckley.
The airport also serves as a weather diversion alternative for Salt Lake City International Airport.
City and airport officials have said commercial flights in and out of the airport are the ultimate goal.
“Commercial service would mean so much for Ogden,” Eccles said. “Revenue for the city, revenue for the airport — it would make Ogden even more of a destination spot than it already is.”
But in order to bring in commercial passenger service, Eccles said, the airport must be compliant with post-9/11 security requirements of the Transportation Security Administration: space for security screening, a secure passenger waiting area, and break and office space for TSA personnel.
The proposed expansion will allow passengers diverted from Salt Lake City because of weather to disembark in Ogden rather than remain on the aircraft.
Officials estimate the entire project will cost $650,000. No time frame has been established for the expansion.
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