Firm says parking needs rate increase, not more lots yet
A study conducted by a parking consulting firm found Utah State University has sufficient parking for the next five years and could for 10 years if students continue to use the economy parking lots.
It also found the university should increase parking permit fees, said Lisa Leishman, director of USU Parking Services.
Walker Parking Consultants, a worldwide company that assists corporations, hospitals and educational institutions find solutions to parking problems, conducted the study during Fall Semester. Leishman said Walker was asked to assess usage compared to the current supply of parking spaces, when new parking space will be needed and where parking structures should be built.
“We thought it would be much better to have a company focused on parking do the study,” Leishman said. “They bring in something internally we couldn’t see. Walker was one of the most qualified for our needs.”
According to the study, “based on the observed peak conditions, USU currently has adequate parking for all users.” The study found there will not be a shortage of on-campus parking if students are willing to use the economy lots and shuttle to campus. Leishman said the study also found the economy lots are not too far from campus.
Walker recommends 300 parking spaces be added within the next five to 10 years. Leishman said there is little room left for additional surface parking and new parking structures were recommended. She said locations by the Nutrition Food Science building, the Stadium and Old Main were suggested by Walker for a 300-space structure.
“The Parking Department plans to build a new structure within 10 years,” Leishman said. “Near Old Main where the heating plant was is a good location. It’ll fit well in the hillside.”
Money is being set aside to fund the structure, which is expected to cost $10,000 per parking space to construct, Leishman said. To fund the structure, Walker recommends immediate increases in parking permits for faculty and staff to $125 for C1 permits, $100 for “gate-controlled permits,” $85 for booth-controlled and $70 for other permits per year. Student “premium permits” are recommended to increase to $115 per year. Resident and economy permits would remain unchanged.
“We are not recommending any increases for Fall this year,” Leishman said. “But we could for Fall 2002.”
Leishman said the Parking Committee will discuss the proposals made by Walker and present it to the ASUSU Executive Council within a few months.