Latest news with #MichelleKaufusi
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Provo, Orem leaders hope new UTA service will fill ‘gaps' in fast-growing county
Utah County remains the state's fastest-growing county, which requires extensive planning, including ways to handle new transportation challenges. 'Growth is coming and we have got to get ahead of it,' said Provo Mayor Michelle Kaufusi. 'We can't sit and wait until it's a problem.' She sees public transit as a potential solution for moving more people around more efficiently than having everyone drive. Orem Mayor Dave Young's city has FrontRunner, bus rapid transit and traditional bus services. Still, both he and Kaufusi say there are still 'gaps' in connectivity — something that they hope will be fixed by Utah Transit Authority's newest Utah County service. The state agency extended its UTA on Demand service to Utah County for the first time last month, adding an 8.6-square-mile zone covering the west side of Orem and Provo, including destinations like Provo Airport and Provo City Hall. The microtransit service blends traditional bus operations with ridesharing, allowing customers to hail a van with other riders heading in a similar direction. Both mayors say it should help west-side residents connect with the transit options that are easier to find east of the FrontRunner line, while offering better connections to key places like the fast-growing airport. 'This on-demand service really is the final touch in making that happen,' Young said. 'This is designed to bring that final level together.' UTA first tested the concept in southwest Salt Lake County in 2019, reaching an area that experienced similar transit gaps. It became a permanent fixture two years later, before the agency added new service areas to Salt Lake City's west side and parts of Davis and Tooele counties. Ridership has grown as a result. The agency reported having 2,207 average weekday boardings in April, an 18% increase from last April and its highest monthly average since adding the service. UTA Director Jay Fox hopes the trend continues as it extends to a crucial part of Utah County. 'One of the reasons on-demand coming here is a pretty big deal is because it's been so successful everywhere else,' Fox said. 'You know right away that bringing it to an area, it's going to connect people to places they couldn't connect to before directly; it's going to be an incredible success. ... For both cities, it's going to just drive so much mobility.' It could also spark new transit service down the road. UTA used heat maps to carve out a traditional bus service route in southwest Salt Lake County that also debuted last month. The same could happen in Utah County. In the meantime, UTA on Demand will be available within the Orem/Provo zone from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day from Monday through Saturday. One-way rides are $2.50, the same cost as a bus.
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Provo Airport breaks ground on 3-year expansion project
State, county and city leaders gathered Monday to celebrate the newest expansion of the Provo Airport, touting its expected contribution to the region's growth. The groundbreaking kicks off a three-year project to expand the airport from four to 10 gates, more than doubling the travel opportunities available at the small airport, and increase baggage handling and ticketing areas. The airport's apron, or plane loading area, will be expanded by November, while the gates are expected to open in late 2028. The expansion was made possible through collaboration of the county, city, state, Federal Aviation Administration and Mountainland Association of Governments. "With their help, the sky truly has become the limit for Provo Airport," Provo Mayor Michelle Kaufusi said. "For both leisure and business travelers, it offers something rare: convenience, comfort and connectivity — all from the heart of Utah Valley." The airport is a "vital part" of Utah's growing transportation network as the state prepares for expected growth and the upcoming 2034 Olympics, she said. This "bold and wise" project adds no new debt to the airport, preventing the need to raise costs, she added. The airport contributes approximately $203 million in annual economic impact to Utah Valley, she said. The expansion is being funded by a $78 million commitment from Utah County. The commitment includes a $19.5 million up-front payment from the Tourism, Recreation, Cultural, and Convention Tax revenue and transient room tax revenue, and a $3.9 million annual contribution for the next 15 years. The county called it a "smart use of tourism tax dollars" that leads to better infrastructure, more jobs and "global readiness" at the airport. Commissioner Skyler Beltran said the monetary commitment is a "historic investment" into the community and is a "smart, strategic use of resources that will bring long-term returns." "Provo has always been a city of visionaries, and today, that same pioneering spirit leads this expansion. With increased passenger capacity, new destinations and modern amenities, this project will bring more jobs, support local businesses and enhance the quality of life for our residents for decades to come," Beltran said. The added travel options will bring new business markets into the county and help connect students with their homes while also being a gateway to the world, he added. Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce President Curtis Blair called the area one of the fastest growing regions in the country. He said it's important to meet not only the luxury travel needs but also the business transportation needs of consumers in the community. The airport makes it easier for businesses to have personal visits, leading to "intangible" benefits such as relationships and connections made for future investments, Blair said. "This expansion makes that possible where we are this close from having a business-to-business connection with any city in America," he said. More than 2 million passengers have flown through Provo Airport in the three years it has been open, including around 96,000 just last month, Provo Airport Director Brian Torgersen said. With an anticipated additional million passengers this year, Torgersen said it's likely the airport will be elevated to small hub status. "When we first opened the doors, we knew we were building more than just an airport terminal. We were building a gateway to growth, opportunity and connection for all of Utah County and even the entire state of Utah. What we didn't expect was how quickly that vision would take flight," Torgersen said. The airport has outgrown its space "faster than we could've imagined. That's a testament not just to the demand for air travel, but to the confidence in what we have built together," he added. Provo will be hosting three open houses to share information on the airport's conditions and projected travel demand and to receive public feedback on what the future of the airport should look like. The first open house took place Monday. 'We need our voices as we charter our next course,' the mayor said. 'Thank you to everyone who believed in this little airport that could because now we know it can, and it will.'
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Utah regional airport takes step to expand ahead of 2034 Olympics
A rendering shows the Provo Airport expansion project. (Courtesy of Provo City) About 50 miles from Utah's capital airport is a small hub that some travelers on the Wasatch Front turn to for ultra-low-cost carriers — the Provo airport. In 2024, about 900,000 passengers used the airport's four gates to board domestic flights. It was a record-setting number for the facility. However, as soon as this year that number could multiply. Provo City broke ground for an airport expansion on Monday. The plans are to build an extended apron, increasing parking capacity for aircrafts by November, according to a news release from the city. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX One of the most substantial changes, however, is scheduled to open by late 2028 — the facility's expansion to host 10 gates in total. 'Thanks to American Airlines' frequent daily flights to Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) and Phoenix-Sky Harbor (PHX), travelers from PVU now enjoy easy access to over 270 global destinations, both domestic and international,' Brian Torgersen, Provo Airport director, said in the release. 'And the connectivity will only improve with our expansion from four gates to ten gates.' The funding is secured and the demand is growing, the release reads, especially with major events on the state's horizon. The project's price tag is $80 million, according to a presentation filed to the Legislature, which will be paid by different programs from the Federal Aviation Administration, the state, Utah County, Mountainland Association of Governments, and Provo City. This year, lawmakers also approved a one-time payment of $4.5 million to support the project. 'This expansion positions PVU not just as a regional airport, but as a vital part of Utah's growing transportation network — ready to welcome the world, including visitors for the 2034 Winter Olympics,' Provo Mayor Michelle Kaufusi said in a statement. But plans will continue beyond this development. By summer 2026, the airport is also scheduled to have a master plan for another two decades. Utah County pledged $78 million to help fund the expansion, including a $19.5 million up-front payment gathered with a tourism tax, and an annual contribution of $3.9 million for the next 15 years, according to a Utah County news release. The investment would contribute to the gates' expansion, as well as efforts to grow baggage handling and ticketing areas, and prepare it for international travel. 'This expansion is more than just bricks and mortar — it's a bold step into the future,' Utah County Commissioner Amelia Powers Gardner said in the release. 'We're building infrastructure that not only meets today's needs but sets the stage for tomorrow's growth, global events, and economic opportunity.' SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Provo Airport set to break ground on expansion, adding six new gates
PROVO, Utah () — The Provo Airport is getting ready to start its next chapter – expanding to include more gates, more space for aircraft, and more opportunities for travel for Utah County residents. City and airport officials will break ground on a three-year expansion project on Monday, April 14. An open house presenting the Provo Airport Master plan will then be held at 5 p.m. that evening in the airport's view lounge. The expansion will begin with construction on the airport's apron – an area of the tarmac where aircraft can be parked, boarded, and refueled. This expansion is scheduled to be completed by November 2025. Next, the current terminal will expand from four gates to have a total of 10 with three new gates on both the north and south sides. Airport officials expect the new terminals to open by late 2028. 'The Provo Airport is more than a runway – it's a runway to the future,' said Provo Mayor Michelle Kaufusi. 'This expansion positions PVU not just as a regional airport but as a vital part of Utah's growing transportation network – ready to welcome the world, including visitors for the 2034 Winter Olympics.' The Provo Airport reportedly saw a historic year in 2024 with nearly 900,000 passengers passing through its gate. To accommodate Utah County's growing population and the increase in passengers, the County Commission recently over a 15-year period – including $19.5 million up-front. To oversee the airport's continued growth, Utah County established a dedicated department, directed by Brian Torgersen, who previously served as the Provo Airport Division Director since 2019. Under Torgersen, the airport has from Allegiant and Breeze as well as American Airlines. ''Anywhere You Want To Go – Fly Provo' isn't just a slogan. It's a promise,' said Torgersen. 'Travelers from PVU can now enjoy easy access to over 270 global destinations, both domestic and international. And the connectivity will only improve with our expansion from four gates to ten gates.' Mayor Kaufusi affirmed that as Provo continues to grow, the airport will keep pace, striving to offer residents and visitors an accessible alternative. Johnson says the Trump budget blueprint vote is on, and it will pass A new Walmart Supercenter is coming to Eagle Mountain Check out these artists at the Red Butte Garden 2025 Outdoor Concert Series Ferrari partners with Hot Wheels for mini car series Acting IRS chief resigns after deal reached to share data with immigration authorities Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
30-01-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
‘Beyond our boundaries': Provo mayor focuses on lifting others in State of the City address
The Provo mayor emphasized the city's high quality of life and encouraged citizens to impact others 'beyond our boundaries' in the annual State of the City address on Wednesday. Mayor Michelle Kaufusi spoke on the city's recent accomplishments of acquiring American Airlines flights for the Provo Airport, making progress on a new water treatment plant, building a 100-acre sports complex, improving the Rock Canyon Trailhead, a city hall that is all-electric and net zero on emissions and BYU becoming a part of the Big 12 conference. Kaufusi emphasized the city's focus on public safety and emergency preparedness and how the city utilizes productive partnerships to obtain external funding for city projects rather than increase property taxes. "As amazing as all this news is, the condition of a city is about more than milestones," she said Wednesday night at the Covey Center. The mayor detailed the impact of Amelia Earhart, who broke boundaries and opened doors for women in male-dominated fields. She said the drive and spirit of Earhart lives in Provo, where the focus isn't just to make life comfortable but also to impact others. "From our oldest and largest institution, BYU … to our Olympic venue, the Peaks Ice Arena, Provo proudly focuses and faces and embraces the world beyond our boundaries," she said. From WordPerfect, which revolutionized word processing on computers and Qualtrics gaining recognition worldwide, to Nu Skin and Angel Studios, which have brought products to people in dozens of countries, Provo is "an exceptional place" for people who want to bless others, the mayor said. "We see that the world beyond our boundaries could use some lifting up, and Provo embraces that lift," she said. Four residents received a Mayor's Award for "embracing the lift" and blessing others. The first was Analane Powel, who through her business Angel Gowns transforms donated bridal dresses into funeral gowns for children who have died. She has "humbly and quietly" blessed families by donating them to hospitals and lifting those going through tragedy, the mayor said as she gave Powel the award. Also recognized was Nu Skin founder Blake Roney for the charity work his company has provided around the world; Don Jarvis for his work on sustainability in the city that led to "forward-looking" city policies; and 100-year-old veteran Col. Amos Wright, who fought in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. "My purpose, our purpose, isn't just to enjoy our outstanding quality of life. I am driven — we are driven — to make an impact. Because of that, my vision for Provo is that we will only rise in our ability to touch and lift the world," the mayor said, with emotion in her voice. Olympic silver medalist Noelle Pikus-Pace spoke at the event, touching on how the Olympics are a symbol of unity for the world, and everyone should strive to carry the torch. "It's a reminder the flame of unity is alive even in times when the world feels dark," she said. "The things that connect us will always outweigh the things that separate us." During the event, the mayor talked about the city's plans for an airport expansion. She said the Utah County Commission on Wednesday approved the expansion to build a full terminal with 10 gates, committing $78 million to the project. Now, the city can now review the expansion proposal from the Tourism Tax Advisory Board to move forward. "It's not a done deal, but how do you not celebrate an unprecedented offer of $78 million in outside funding?" she said. Utah County's contribution includes $19.5 million in up-front funding from the Tourism, Recreation, Cultural, and Convention Tax revenue and Transient Room Tax revenue. Additionally, the county will contribute $3.9 million annually over the next 15 years to ensure sustained support for the airport's expansion, according to a county statement Wednesday. "Expanding the airport is a win-win," said Utah County Commission vice chair Skyler Beltran. "Not only will it boost tourism and visitor-generated revenues that can help benefit our citizens and reduce their tax burden for years to come, but it will also provide increased convenience and travel opportunities for Utah County residents. The mayor also announced a complete redesign of the city website that is "dynamic and user friendly" and "reflects the vibrant spirit of our community." In addition to the new website, the city debuted it's first ever mobile app, that aims to foster greater connection between the residents and government. 'Together, we are creating a Provo that we can all be proud of,' Kaufusi said.
