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August 1, 2002
For Release Upon Receipt

RENTAL CAR AGENCIES MOVE INTO NEW FACILITY
The seven rental car companies located at Tucson International Airport make their move into the new rental car facility immediately adjacent to the main terminal on Thursday, August 1. The move marks the end of the first step of the expansion project begun at TIA in October 2000.

The new rental car facility is made up of an 18,000 sq. ft. customer service building that will house TIA's seven rental car agencies-Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz and National-and a 2,200 space parking facility for the rental fleets. The first and second levels of the structure hold cars ready for pickup and fleet storage. The third floor is reserve for airport employee parking.

Natural Indian sandstone walls harmonize with blueberry and desert gold stucco to create a welcoming first impression of Tucson. Brushed metal finishes matching the covering on the barrel vault roof are repeated both inside and outside the structure and are also used on the pedestrian walkways connecting the building to the rental car parking structure. The complex features low-water use, desert landscape garden areas and boulder outcroppings.

The rental car building establishes the architectural theme for the project and features a barrel vault roof which is the unifying element for what will become Tucson International's new façade. Other elements in the rental car building will be repeated in the terminal including Indian sandstone accents, brushed metal finishes and colored glass brick window walls. In the final stages of the terminal expansion, an indoor walkway will link the terminal to the rental car facility.

Target General, Inc. served as general contractor for the first phase of expansion project that included the rental car building, parking structure, lower level commercial roadway, and a new upper level roadway bridge.

Financing for the $16.5 million rental car facility will be repaid over 20 years with interest only for the initial five years, followed by a 15-year amortization period. The interest rate will be based on prevailing commercial rates.

Fees generated from seven rental car companies as well as from employee parking fees and customer facility charges* will repay the loan. Rental car agencies will pay for the use of the new building and the number of ready/return stalls and vehicle storage spaces they occupy. These fees will be adjusted every two years.

With the rental car agencies relocated, construction of the $65 million terminal expansion moves into high gear. Nearly 80,000 sq. ft. is being added to the terminal for passenger queuing and seating on the ticketing level and seven new tilt-plate luggage carousels in baggage claim. For the next 16 months the center entrances of the terminal are closed while the building is bumped forward about 50'. Once the center section is complete and reopens, work will continue on the ends of the terminal.

For current information on the airport expansion project call the construction hotline, 573-5190, or visit www.tucsonairport.org. (Community/Construction/Terminal Expansion)