Columbia Regional Airport’s parking lot to be expanded; project will include improved lighting

A proposed expansion of the south parking lot at Columbia Regional Airport (COU) has received the green light from Columbia’s city council this week.

City officials say a parking lot expansion will be necessary when the new $23-million terminal project is finished next year.

The $550,000 parking lot expansion will include 93 new parking spots, six new handicap parking spaces and improved lighting. Funding is coming from two sources, including transportation sales tax money.

The current terminal at Columbia Regional was built in 1968.