Airport Begins Building for the Future with the Official Launch of FATforward

September 1, 2020
Parking structure

 

Fresno Yosemite International Airport Begins Building for the Future with the Official Launch of FATforward

Construction of new parking garage will bring new jobs and
$22M economic impact

Fresno, CA (September 1, 2020) –Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) today officially launched FATforward, a multi-year expansion program to improve the customer experience and position the airport and California’s Central Valley for future growth.  FATforward begins with a groundbreaking on a new, four-level parking garage, the airport’s first multi-level, covered parking structure. Future construction will include two additional boarding gates, space for new shops and restaurants and an international arrivals area that will be triple the current size.

“As a fundamental part of the nation’s transportation network, it is important we invest in the airport’s infrastructure to support current and future air travel demand, and enhance the passenger experience,” said FAT Director of Aviation Kevin Meikle. “FATforward is the roadmap that will prepare us for the future by creating needed capacity and enhance air service opportunities that will benefit the California’s Central Valley and create additional economic activity and jobs.”

Passenger Growth Drives Need for Construction

In the past ten years, passenger traffic at FAT has grown at an unprecedented rate, surpassing industry trends and six years ahead of the FAT’s Master Plan forecasts.  From March 2019 – February 2020, passenger traffic reached a milestone of more than two million passengers in a 12-month period.  Recognizing the importance of FAT as a major catalyst for growth and one of the region’s largest driver of economic activity, the airport received a $35 million loan from the California State Infrastructure Bank (IBank) specifically for the parking garage project. IBank finances public infrastructure and private development that promotes economic development and improves the quality of life in California communities.  At a time when it is important to put people to work, the parking garage project will create local workforce opportunities, supporting job creation in the community.

Parking Garage will be FAT’s First Covered Parking Structure

Located directly across from airport Terminal entrances, FAT’s first multi-level, covered parking structure elevates the customer experience that will begin in the garage and end a short walk away at the passenger’s gate. Providing parking conveniently located on airport property eliminates the need for shuttles and supports sustainability initiatives. When completed in November 2021, twenty-five percent of FAT’s parking spaces will be covered.

FAT’s Economic Benefits to the Region

FAT is one of the region’s largest economic drivers. Airport operations:

  • Generate an annual direct contribution of $928 million to the region’s economy
  • Generate an employment base of 10,800 direct, induced and indirect jobs

The parking garage project will create additional economic activity and employment opportunities, including:

  • Adding an estimated economic impact of $22.5 million to the local economy from support services associated with construction
  • Create 150 – 200 jobs directly related to the project
  • Employ local labor workforce at a time when jobs are most needed

 FAT Parking Garage Amenities

FAT’s new parking garage will feature:

  • 917 parking spaces
    • ADA accessible parking spaces in the covered areas
    • Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
    • Park Assist Technology to guide motorists to available spaces
    • Pay-on-Foot Kiosks

About Fresno Yosemite International Airport
FAT is the Central San Joaquin Valley’s largest economic driver with $928 million of annual impact and 10,800 direct, induced and indirect jobs. Domestic and international carriers serving FAT offer Valley travelers daily nonstop flights to Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Portland, Salt Lake City, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle and Guadalajara, León, Mexico City and Morelia, Mexico.

Fresno Yosemite International Airport is a municipally-owned entity operating as a self-supporting enterprise. No City of Fresno general funds are used to operate Fresno Yosemite International Airport or Fresno Chandler Executive Airport.

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Posted in Press Releases