Local, state and federal officials formally dedicated the recently completed Prescott Regional Airport (PRC) the morning of June 18.
Following remarks from local mayors and councilmembers and from Mark McClardy, Federal Aviation Administration director for the Western-Pacific region, a bronze plaque was unveiled before an invited crowd of more than 150 people.
The $15 million, 18,000-square-foot air terminal is serving a constantly growing commercial air service demand, city officials emphasized.
Prescott Mayor Greg Mengarelli reviewed the record of flight in the Prescott area, saying Prescott has a “nine-decade history of flight and progress in Yavapai County.” He also said it appears more carriers and destinations may be scheduled for the future.
Several speakers praised Dr. Robin Sobotta, PRC director, for her dedication in making the new terminal a reality. Prescott Chamber of Commerce immediate past chair Jamaal McCoy said he represented the entire region when he thanked Sobotta for her more than three years of commitment in finding more than $28 million in state and federal grants and other forms of support to build the terminal and expand the airport.
Sobotta told those present that PRC was the “25th busiest commercial airport in the nation.” She qualified her comment by noting much of that was a result of flight training operations at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Even so, she said, she expects that ranking to go higher as more and more passengers return to air travel.
City officials said funding is being sought to support extending the main runway from 7,619 feet to 11,000 feet.
