Airport losses don't dissuade expansion 

Despite the loss of two airlines, the San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport is moving forward with more than $5.8 million in improvements to pave the way for future expansion.

SLO County supervisors gave the OK on July 22, for the airport to use Federal Aviation Administration funds in order to pay for two projects aimed at improving existing access roads.

Although the airport will lose Delta and American Eagle connection services on Sept. 1 and Nov. 1, respectively, a steady stream of business community representatives lobbied the county to approve more development. Without a strong airport, they said, new business could be scared away from the community.

“The airport is the single most important facility to business,” SLO Chamber of Commerce President and CEO David Garth said.

The Board of Supervisors agreed and unanimously voted to put money toward new construction.

“It’s critical that we have an airport that can support the future growth,” Supervisor Jerry Lenthall said.

For about $2.73 million, Aero Drive will be realigned to make way for a new main entry road, sidewalks, crosswalks, and a traffic signal.

Roughly $3.1 million will go toward improving access and circulation along the east side of the airport.