Parking lots near the Gerald R. Ford International Airport terminal will close in August and September to prepare for construction of a four-story parking ramp.
Which lots will close? The main long-term lot and west half of the east long-term lot will close Aug. 1. The short-term lot and long-term handicap lot will close in early September.
Project update: Final approval is expected next month on the ramp project.
Size of the new ramp: 4,881 parking spaces.
Spaces lost during construction: 1,700. About 1,000 will be replaced when an expansion to the express shuttle lot opens Sept. 1.
Special features:
-- A $15 million, 500-foot glass-and-steel canopy that mimics the wave-like roof of the DeVos Place convention center.
-- $5.5 million sky bridges with escalator lobbies.
-- $7.6 million for security checkpoint and road and utility improvements.
Total project cost: $115.7 million
Ramp cost: $71 million
How will it be funded? Bonds backed by Kent County's credit are expected to be sold to finance the project. Airport revenue will pay off the debt.
What will it cost me? Current long-term parking costs $8 per day. The estimated cost for the new ramp is $12 per day.
Project begins: September
Completion date: October 2009
