Pangborn weighs new entrance, automated payments in parking overhaul

EAST WENATCHEE – The Chelan Douglas Regional Port Authority is looking at overhauling parking at Pangborn Memorial Airport, with options that include a new entrance, automated payments and a place for drivers to wait for arriving passengers.

Port commissioners supported moving ahead with a financial study at their Nov. 4 retreat. Staff identified about $45,000 in the proposed 2027 budget to hire a firm that specializes in airport parking. The firm would estimate what an overhaul could cost and how much revenue a redesigned lot could generate.

Port CEO Jim Kuntz said the current lot brings in about $450,000 a year but takes daily staff time to manage and enforce. The addition of Portland service has put more pressure on the lot, he said.

The concept discussed at the retreat would reorganize short-term, long-term and rental car parking. Staff also raised the possibility of a cell phone waiting lot and a free parking window for people picking up passengers. Commissioners discussed automated systems at other regional airports, including how drivers could reach someone if a payment machine or gate failed.

The financial question is how much of the cost the lot could support. Kuntz said even if annual revenue rose to $600,000, the increase over what the lot already earns would leave limited room for debt payments.

The Port’s debt plan lists the overhaul as a potential borrowing project. Kuntz also raised the possibility of talking with Douglas County about a contribution, pointing to the sales tax the county receives from construction at the airport. He suggested talking with county commissioners in the first half of 2027.

Staff would bring cost and revenue estimates back to commissioners before the Port decides whether to proceed with design. The board’s direction at the retreat was to study the project. Parking rates and a construction schedule remain open.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media