Tri-State Airport is increasing its fees related to storing aircraft. The fees haven't been changed in 15 years and will be more comparable to other airports in the area and airports of similar size, Airport Director Jerry Brienza said at a Thursday meeting of the airport authority,

The changes include tie-down rates, as well as the rates for storing in heated and non-heated hangars. The biggest change is for large jets because they take up space that could go to more aircraft.

There may be some complaints, "but we feel these fees are in order," Brienza said.

The changes will be implemented incrementally over a six-month period, likely beginning April 1, he said. There will be an incentive program for pilots who buy fuel at Tri-State Airport.

The airport reported last month that its departments would have to cut costs 4 percent across the board because of a decrease in general aviation, a problem faced by airports across the nation during the recession.

Although the airport's commercial flights are up 27 percent from 2009 figures, there was a 28 percent decline in general aviation from the same period last year. And general aviation packs a bigger punch in terms of the airport's budget.

Finance director Don Wiseman reported that the purchase of fuel increased over the past month. A new discount program being offered is encouraging pilots of private planes to use Tri-State Airport, Brienza said.

The airport also is increasing parking fees beginning March 1 to $7 per day. The current rates are: first 15 minutes free; 16 to 60 minutes $1; and one to three hours $2, with a maximum of $6 per day. The new rates will be the same for parking up to an hour, and will change to $1 for each additional hour, with a maximum of $7 per day.

Authority members also approved a new name for the airport's general aviation terminal -- Huntington Jet Center. If it gets a sponsorship, the airport then will add a "sponsored by" tag onto the name.

Brienza said several pilots were questioned before the name was selected, and that the key was having the name of the city in the name.

In other business, the airport reported that bookings are strong for its new Allegiant Airlines direct flight into Orlando International Airport, a switch from its former direct flight into Orlando-Sanford International Airport. Those flights began Feb. 16.

In terms of projects, restroom renovations are finished at the airport, but work has been delayed on its runway extension project because of bad weather.

The airport authority also elected officers at its Thursday meeting. The new officers are President Jim Booton, First Vice President Cal Kent, Second Vice President Kevin Gunderson, Secretary Bill Dingus and Treasurer Mike Perry.

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