CHICO, Calif. — The Chico Regional Airport is raising funds to bring public flights back to Chico for the first time in nearly 10 years.
The funds will go towards fixing the old terminal, creating a TSA checkpoint, long term parking, updating the old baggage claim, and more.
“We have a goal of about $1.5 million in that incentive package. Right now we have a grant for $500,000 and then we’ve fundraised $145,000 thus far. We are offering some fee waivers to airlines as well to the value of $250,000 for a two-year period. We have a good start, we’re on our way but that effort is going to continue as we reach out to different communities and businesses to build and bolster that fund,” said Tom Bahr, Chico Regional Airport manager.
The airport used to offer continuous flights to San Francisco before closing in 2014 due to low attendance, but now has their flights set to Southern California.
“Right now the destination would be LAX and that’s based off of studies we’ve had done and surveys asking people where they are going, and a large majority are heading to that destination. That would be our first route, but there are other areas people are going as well so our plan is to get this first route going, and then from there build it,” Bahr said.
The goal is to boost the local economy in Chico, and prevent people from commuting to surrounding airports like Sacramento and Redding for travel.
The airport expects to raise the remainder of the money within the next six months, and plans to start their renovation and construction as soon as possible.
For more information on the expansion, donate, or schedule a meeting with Bahr about supporting the plan, click here.
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