FEE BOOST SOUGHT FOR KEY AIRPORT PROJECTS.

Byline: - Bhavna Mistry

Passengers on flights departing from Oxnard Airport would be charged an additional $4.50 under a plan to help Ventura County finance airport improvements.

If approved by county supervisors and the Federal Aviation Administration, the fee would begin in December and generate about $160,000 a year for the Ventura County Department of Airports.

``Oxnard Airport currently runs at a deficit, all airports do,'' said Tad Dougherty, who manages the neighboring Camarillo Airport. ``Maintenance is so expensive, it's difficult for airports to keep up.''

Federal law and FAA regulation allow commercial airports to impose passenger facility charges ranging from $1 to $4.50 each.

Revenue must be used to finance airport-related projects, including those that would enhance safety, capacity, security or would reduce noise.

County officials hope to raise money to help fund a $170,000 master plan and noise study. Other priorities include repaving runways and taxiways and improving the terminal loop road.

``This is a fee that all airports are eligible of charging,'' Dougherty said. ``It must be approved by the FAA and has to be tied to specific projects that you want constructed.''

Currently, United Express flies between Oxnard and Los Angeles International for $99, one way, while American West Express flies between Oxnard and Phoenix, for $135.