CIRA backs fee hike to lessen property tax burden

Central Illinois Regional Airport
Passengers tat Central Illinois Regional Airport might have to pay more
to fly soon. (Photo by B Corbin/WJBC)

By Cody Schiever/WMBD-TV

BLOOMINGTON – Flights out of Central Illinois Regional Airport may become more expensive if Congress approves a proposal that could charge every passenger a fee of $8.50.

The fee is called a passenger facility charge and it’s used to fund projects or services at an airport.

Currently the fee is $4.50, but the new proposal would raise it $4.

CIRA officials hope the measure passes, but say they may not raise it at their airport to the maximum.

The proposal would prevent future property tax increases and some say that’s a benefit because instead of the cost falling on everyone the burden would fall on those who use the airport.

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