Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, February 10, 1994 TAG: 9402100165
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: By DAVID M. POOLE STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
The bill would block Richmond International Airport from collecting fees from a company that plans to operate an off-site valet parking service.
Though the legislation would apply only to the Richmond airport, Roanoke airport officials fear it could establish a precedent for restricting airports from collecting fees.
On-site parking fees represent 21 percent of the Roanoke airport's annual revenues of $4.7 million.
Roanoke Regional Airport Commission Chairman Bob Johnson termed the bill "protectionism" for private parking-lot owners.
Del. Eric Cantor, R-Richmond, introduced the legislation at the request of former state Sen. Granger Macfarlane, D-Roanoke, and his two sons.
The Macfarlanes are opening a combination gas station, automotive service center and valet parking lot near the Richmond airport.
The airport is trying to collect fees from the valet parking business, as it does from rental car companies that operate shuttles from the airport to off-site lots.
Charles Macfarlane, president of the company, contends that the valet parking service will operate completely off site and, therefore, beyond the reach of the airport commission.
The valet service will have neither a sales representative nor a courtesy phone on airport premises, he said.
Rather than filing a lawsuit, the Macfarlanes hired a lobbyist and looked to the General Assembly for help.
Granger Macfarlane, who served in the state Senate from 1988 to 1992, helped line up support with some of his former colleagues, according to Charles Macfarlane.
Charles Macfarlane said airport officials have been willing to discuss a negotiated settlement because of the legislation.
"If we get an agreement," he said, "we will likely ask that the bill be withdrawn."
Keywords:
GENERAL ASSEMBLY 1994
by CNB