Two days ago, San Diego's Airport Authority celebrated the opening of a new parking garage at Terminal 1. The first phase of the project, which is complete, has more than 2,800 parking spaces. Step one for a new Terminal 1 San Diego International Airport is crucial for Southern California communities closer to the United States-Mexico border.
Not only is it important for those in the US, but every year, many people cross the border from Mexico to fly out of San Diego. In recent years, demand has grown, and the airport has needed improvements to keep up with the demand. On Wednesday, the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority celebrated the completion and opening of the first phase of the new parking garage.
The New Terminal 1 Parking Plaza's first phase included the addition of 2,834 parking spaces just steps away from the current Terminal 1 and the New T1, which opens in 2025. According to an announcement from the airport authority, sustainability was important to the project. There are 519 spaces for "Clean Vehicles", which include electric, hybrid, and fuel-efficient vehicles.
Additionally, there are 65 spaces that will have charging ports that will be activated by the fall. “The opening of the first stage of the New T1 Parking Plaza represents more than just a milestone of the New T1 project, it represents significant progress toward providing our binational region with the air transportation infrastructure it needs and deserves. We can't wait to come back in the late summer of 2025 and cut the ribbon on the New T1.
" - Gil Cabrera, Chair, San Diego County Regional Airport Authority Board On the first floor of the garage, there is a tire inflation station that is available at no cost. Another feature added to improve the passenger experience is the availability of luggage carts on all the levels of the garage. Kimberly Becker, the airport authority's President and CEO, reiterated the authority's commitment to meeting the ground transportation needs of airport customers.
The second phase of the garage construction process will add another 2,396 parking spots. It will also include more than 100 electric vehicle charging ports, hundreds of bicycle parking spots, and more clean vehicle spaces. Recent SAN news Earlier this summer, the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) was awarding SAN a grant for airport improvements.
The airport received $23.5 million as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Airport Infrastructure Grants (AIG) program. In this new round of funding, SAN received the second-largest award.
According to the airport authority, the new funding will go towards the New T1 program, which, as mentioned above, is set to open next year. Becker said, "This grant will help us create an exceptional airport experience for the community and the world. We are grateful to San Diego’s congressional delegation who fought for this funding legislation.
The Airport Authority appreciates Congressman Scott Peters' unwavering support of San Diego International Airport and the region.”.
