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Outlook glum in revised airport budget

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By TED JACKOVICS

tjackovics@tampatrib.com

Published: April 10, 2009

TAMPA - The Hillsborough County Aviation Authority on Thursday amended the 2009 budget for Tampa International Airport to account for an estimated 8.1 percent decline in passengers this fiscal year that will result in a loss of $12.5 million in revenue.

The revenue decline to $176.8 million will reduce the amount remaining for capital improvements and reserves to $25.3 million but will not affect operations or employment beyond cost-saving steps already in effect, Director Louis Miller said.

"We have 47 positions that are vacant and expect that will grow to 49 to 50 by year's end, but there will be no layoffs," Miller said.

TIA has cross-trained workers to compensate and has taken other steps, including reducing escalator and airside tram use.

The primary contributors to the revenue decline is a $6.2 million decrease in parking, a $2.5 million decline in concession fees and $3.2 million drop in interest income.

The passenger numbers are declining across the country as airlines trim seats and people cut down on discretionary travel. Airport projections call for 8.6 million departing passengers in the fiscal year that ends Sept. 30.

Reporter Ted Jackovics can be reached at (813) 259-7817.

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