The University Office of Parking, Traffic and Transportation is waiting for a report from a consulting firm that could lead to changes in parking lots, a new parking garage and an increase in parking fees and fines.
Parking officials say they expect to receive the report from Walker Parking Consultants within the next two weeks. They will hold public forums and focus groups to solicit student opinions before acting on the recommendations.
Graham said the consulting firm is looking at the possibility of repaving the South Stadium parking lot, the lots around CEBA and lots in the center of campus. He also said the task force is looking into the possibility of constructing a multipurpose parking garage where the Highland Dining Hall currently stands.
While the parking office has seen an increase in revenue every year, the last time it raised parking fees for permits was in 1999, and the last time it raised fines was in 1992.
If the consulting firm decides an increase is necessary, the parking office will review the information and consider the increase.
Ginger Crowe, a psychology sophomore who commutes to campus, initially said she would not be happy if the University increased fines or fees, but changed her mind.
She said, “if it’s going to increase the parking places, I would be happy about it.”
Brandon Rachal, a nursing sophomore and commuter, said he would be willing to pay a fee increase.
“I hate having to park,” he said. “If they increase fees to make parking better, I’ll pay for it.”
For the 2003-2004 academic year, the Office of Parking, Trafiic and Transportation received $5,418,260 in revenue, director Gary Graham. Of that revenue, $840,103.43 was from fines and towing.
The remainder of the revenue came from attended lots, meters, student and employee parking permit fees and fees assessed from all students.
There was a $98,378.43 increase in fines and towing revenue from last year, according to the statistics on the Parking, Traffic and Transportation Web site.
Graham said there has been an increase in fines and towing because there are more workers monitoring parking. His office filled positions that were vacant last year.
In the 2003-2004 academic year, Graham said the office completed two new lots that cost the office $600,000 and performed maintenance on roads and lots.
The consulting firm’s report will outline suggested plans for the year.