The Rock Springs-Sweetwater County Airport recently opened restrooms beyond the TSA Checkpoint, eliminating the requirement to go through security a second time after utilizing the facilities.
Before the opening of the new ADA restrooms, travelers would have to leave the secured area to use the restrooms in the main lobby. They would then be required to pass through security again to board their flight.
“The primary goal of this project was to improve overall user experience and make our airport as convenient and easy-to-use as possible,” said Airport Manager Devon Brubaker. “We want passengers to have a hassle free experience every time they fly in or out of RKS.”
The restroom construction was designed by the Van Sant Group out of Colorado Springs, CO and constructed by A Pleasant Construction out of Green River, WY.
The restroom project follows the completion of upgrades to the airport’s HVAC system in November. Those improvements included the replacement of the terminal’s original boiler and roof-top units.
Brubaker says the HVAC was due for an upgrade as the previous system dated back to the 1970’s.
“They’re more energy efficient. They’re definitely more comfortable—they provide more comfortable air,” Brubaker said of the new system. “And along those lines, we just try to find projects along the way that either help us reduce our operational expenses or help us improve the customer experience.”
These projects were funded with revenue generated by the Passenger Facility Charge that each passenger pays when booking their airfare. The Passenger Facility Charge (PFC) Program allows the collection of PFC fees up to $4.50 for every enplaned passenger at commercial airports controlled by public agencies. PFCs are capped at $4.50 per flight segment with a maximum of two PFCs charged on a one-way trip or four PFCs on a round trip, for a maximum of $18 total.
Airports use these fees to fund FAA-approved projects that enhance safety, security, or capacity; reduce noise; or increase air carrier competition.