×

Parking lot system to be updated at Sawyer airport

MARQUETTE — The Marquette County Board of Commissioners recently approved the purchase of a new parking lot system for installation at Sawyer International Airport, following staff recommendation to purchase a system for around $200,000 from FlashParking.

This new system is needed, assistant airport manager Megan Murray told the board, as the system currently in place — which was installed in 2009 — is beyond its recommended useful life.

“Sawyer staff is requesting (the) Marquette County board to approve the selection of a new parking system,” Murray said. “The request for bids was posted online to the airport and county websites.”

Airport staff presented a breakdown of the four companies that bid on the project. The new system was to include multiple features such as a cloud-based server, touchless entry and credit card systems compliant with Payment Card Industry, or PCI, security standards. Staff also assessed ease of entry, quality of equipment and warranty options.

Airport staff recommended purchasing the PARCS system from FlashParking of Austin, Texas, for a total of $200,952.

Murray introduced the group to John Evans, a representative of FlashParking, who answered questions and spoke in detail about how the system could address the airport’s needs.

“We are a model moving toward automatic updates and upgrades to keep with your PCI compliance — all of your reporting and associated features with the system,” he said. “So what we’ve seen by having that system, versus an on-site server based system, is actually a reduction in total costs from ownership and high customer satisfaction rates.”

The project was budgeted for $250,000 through the use of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act funding, meaning the PARCS system will be $49,048 under the budgeted cost.

Katie Segula can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 242. Her email address is ksegula@miningjournal.net.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper *
   

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today