Travelers passing through the El Paso International Airport will need to leave a little early to navigate around a new perk — covered, premium parking.
The airport’s Premium Reserved Parking lot and the east portion of the Short-Term Parking lot were closed on Sunday, Oct. 5, as construction began on the Solar-Covered Parking project. This project will install nearly 2,300 solar panels atop new shade canopies.
The new panels will generate 1.33 megawatts of power and offset energy costs in the terminal.
The total cost for the project was $3.8 million, with $1.75 million allocated as part of a federal grant awarded through the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2022.
While the new shade will be a boon for visitors parking at the airport, the project will not be complete until February 2026, which will impact travelers during the busy Thanksgiving and Christmas travel seasons.
Arrive early, plan ahead
Airport officials are going to great pains to minimize the impact the construction will have on travelers during the fall and winter travel season, including expanding the airport’s west lot by roughly 100 spaces.
Travelers who typically use the Premium Reserved Parking lot will be directed to the Park Air Express lot, which offers reserved parking, daily rates, and a 24-hour courtesy shuttle to the terminal.
Here are some other recommendations for those traveling during construction:
An airport representative stated in a city news release, “El Paso International Airport appreciates the public’s patience and support as it invests in a more sustainable and passenger-friendly future.”
Adam Powell covers government and politics for the El Paso Times and can be reached via email at apowell@elpasotimes.com.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Escaping desert sun: El Paso International Airport starts work to add new covered parking
Reporting by Adam Powell, El Paso Times / El Paso Times
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